PARLIAMENT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 August 1924, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

P* THE ESTIMATES. WIDE FIELD FOR DEBATE. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.L WELLINGTON, Aug. 15. Various topics were discussed in { the House to-day, when members began the discussion on the Estimates. The first item taken was the vote of £60,494 for the Legislative Department. Mr T. K. Sidey (Dunedin South), criticising the estimates of revenue, said the Prime Minister had forecasted a reduction of £1,000,000 in taxation, but had given no indication how that reduction was going to be allocated. The uncertainty on this point was causing much concern to many business and other interests.

The Hon. D. Buddo (Kaiapoi) urged that every precaution be taken to prevent the introduction of I'inderpest, foot and mouth, or similar cattle diseases into New Zealand, either through the medium of stock or fodder or other agriculture imports. He quoted the position in Argentine, where the. disease was carried in fodder imports, and it was extremely difficult to eradicate.

Mr G. W. Forbes (Hurunui) asked if the Minister for Agriculture could explain how it was proposed to expend the additional £63,000 placed on. the Estimates this year. Air H. Poland (Ohinenmri) drew attention to the delay fin completing documents relating to lands taken by intending settlers. He cited the case of an immigrant who had to wait five months before he received his lease. The Minister for Agriculture (Hon. W. Nos worthy) said that this year he was providing for assistance in connection with the export of apples and for the establishment of agricultural colleges.

The Minister for Lands (Hon. A. D. McLeod), replying to a complaint regarding delay in granting relief to the. Hauraki Plains settlers who suffered from flood damage, agreed that the essence of the matter in such cases was the quickness of giving assistance. Speaking of lands administration generally, lie considered the various land boards throughout the country had entered noon a, big trading concern with a. capital of £30,000,000 and he believed the administration was, under the circumstances, very satisfactory. Losses he was convinced, would' be smaller nan would have been suffered by an ordinary trading concern if called upon to undertake a similar task at the same short notice. l JPr F f&rd soid the Liberal Party had fully considered the ouestion of promoting agricultural education, and wns ,n a position to sav that the Liberals would heartily co-operate with the Government in doing everythin" cation! 6 ° advanoe this branch of edut to Mr Sidev, Mr Massev taxiunn ' VaS i going to disclose how Bill cJme radUCed m,til %