PARLIAMENT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 July 1924, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

TA X ATT OX COMMISSION. BILLS INTRODUCED. . QUESTIONS ANSWERED. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON. July 16. The House ol : Representatives niPt at 2..T0 p.m. Replying to Air. P. Fraser (Wellington Central), the Premier (Air. AY. F. Alassev) said it was intended to print and make available to members of tlipublie the evidence taken before the recent taxation commission. The report would probably be placed on the table of the House to-morrow. Three months’ ieave of absence was granted to Sir John Luke (AVellington North) and Air. E. J. Howard (Christchurch South), members of New Zealand’s Parliamentary delegation to South Africa,

The following Bills were introduced and read a first time : The Sale of Foods Pomare); A\ 7 orkers’ Compensation for Accident Bill (Mr. E. J. Howard); Licensing Poll Bill (Air. L. AI. Isitt) ; Dominion State Bank Bill (Air. AW A. A T eitch); Painters’ and Decorators’ Health. Protection Bill (Air. AAA A. ATeitch). Replying to general questions, Alinisters gave the following amongst other answers:

That the matter of relieving racing clubs from the present excessive taxation was receiving the serious consideration of the Government. Tliat it cannot be admitted that the State Advances Department lias failed to meet pressing requirements, for, on the contrary, the State Advances Department lent- during the year of 1923-24 the large sum of £6,056,686 and relieved 8000 borrowers to that extent, and since that date the amount lent has heen largely added to. in the way of the establishment of That tlie Government is not standing agricultural hanks, hut it cannot accept the financial responsibility attempted to be placed upon it by the Agricultural Banking Bill of last session.

That New Zealand is represented on the Labour Bureau at- Geneva and at the Labour conferences by delegates nominated by His Alajesty’s Government, and it can be relied upon that the privileges enjoyed by the workers of New Zealand will not be interfered with.

That the Government will give full and proper consideration to the proposal that before any strike takes place in any Government Department, and where a, ballot is taken, they should see that- the ballot is taken under proper supervision; on the same lines as a general election ballot, and that only those whose votes are recorded shall be counted for or against a. strike. That further representations had been made to the British Government on the subject of gold miners’ embargo on the. export of gold during the war.but without result, as the Imperial Government would not depart from their previous attitude on the matter. . That the police have no authority whatever from the Alinister or the department to collect or supply information regarding political opinions of any person nominated for a commission of tli epeace. The practice is that the department, before recommendino- an appointment, directs the local magistrate to make careful inquiry respecting the character and suitability of any nominee for a commission of the peace, and the Alinister is almost invariably guided by the report of the magistrate who makes all enquiries. That a Bill is under consideration providing a superannuation fund for the benefit of nurses and others engaged in hospital work. When the actual report thereon i,s made Hie Government will be in a position to make an announcement on the subject. That loans are being granted to local bodies by the State Advances Department, but it is not possible, owiii" to the demands made on the resources" for the department to extend the. present limit.

That the question of rabbit bosUxl* and subsidies thereto has come under consideration of late, and it may become advisable to amend the existing legislation m some directions and com sohdate it. but it is doubtful whether tins can.be dealt with during the present session. '

At the close of the discussion on the questions Mr T M. Wilford (Leader oi the Opposition) moved the ' second leading of the Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill, which qualifies women to be appointed as justices of the peace. The motion was agreed to on the voices.

The House rose at 9.30 p.m. till 930 p.m. to-morrow.