PARLIAMENT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 25 July 1924, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WHEAT IMPORTATIONS. ELECTORAL LAW BILL. (BY TR LEG It APR- —PRESS ASsOCIAI iUN . i WELLINGTON, July 24. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to Mr J. A. MacPlierson (Oama.ru), who asked what importations of wheat were being made to meet the present shortage, and waht steps were being taken to' encourage additional sowing in the spring, the Hon. W. Nos worthy said that the wheat importation embargo ceased on February 28. Duty’ on wheat, approximately Is 2d. per bushel, would be retained. It was proposed, subject to Parliamentary approval, to increase the duty on flour from £2 10s to £3 per ton. * The probable shortage would he met by importation. Mr Nosworthy adcled that prices during the last month or so had improved, and would encourage the sowing of a greater area in the spring. He 'hoped farmers would provide ample lor local needs, hut if they failed, it was the duty of the Government to import sufficient to make up the shortage. At the dose of the formal business, the adjourned debate on the Premier’s motion that the Legislature Amendment Bill lie introduced was resumed by Mr R. McTvoeu (Wellington South), who continued his opposition to the measure. The Hon. AY. Nosworthy criticised the. Labour Party for favouring proportional representation in New Zealand when Mr Ramsay MacDonald opposed it in Britain. Several Labour members spoke to the motion, each opposing the Bill, the speakers alleging that it aimed at the destruction of the Labour Party. At 5.30 p.m., when the House adjourned for dinner, the debate was unfinished, and it was again adjourned. The Summer Time Bill occupied the evening sitting, and the House adjourned. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Acts Interpretation Bill (Sir Francis Bell) was committed, progress was reported, and leave was given to sit again next week. The Hon. J. McGregor moved the second reading of the Bills of Exchange Amendment Bill. The second reading was carried on a division hv 17 votes to 8, and the Bill was referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The third reading of the Juries Amendment Bill was agreed to by 18 votes to 5, and the Bill was passed. The council adjourned at 4.30 p.m. until 2.30 next AYednesdav.