WORK OF PARLIAMENT

Hawera Star, Volume L, 11 September 1930, Page 5

WORK OF PARLIAMENT

MISCELLANY OF TOPICS

CINEMA ORCHESTRAS RETURN

PRIVATE BILLS READ

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, -Sept. 10.

Two private Bills, the McLean Institute Bill (Mr H. Holland) and the Otago Presbyterian 'Church ‘Board of Property Amendment Bill (Hon. H. Atmore), were read a second time iwhen the 'House of Representatives met today. Hon. E. A. Ransom 1 gave notice or his intention to introduce the Statutory Land Charges Registration Amendment Bill.

Mr R. Semple asked the Minister of Internal Affairs whether it had come to his notice that recently some of the Auckland picture theatre proprietors had disposed of “canned” music and re-employed local musicians, and that the proprietors had been given notice by an American film company that unless they discharged the musicians and reinstated American music their film supplies would be cut off. Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle replied that careful inquiries had been made some time ago into this matter by officers of the department, hut the information obtained did not support tho suggestion contained in Mr Semple’s' question. The reason generally given by the theatre proprietors for not employing orchestras was that owing to the fact that most pictures now had dialogue accompaniment there wasi very little work for orchestras, and in view of the greatly increased cost of films and sound equipment the expense was not warranted. 'The department, however, was watching the position closely and was prepared to do anything possible to encourage-the employment of New Zealand musicians. It was understood that -orchestras had been reintroduced! into a number of Australian theatres, and it was hoped that if tile experiment was successful the same action would be taken by New Zealand exhibitors. DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT

Replying to the leader of the [Labour Party, the Minister of Education said lie would give instructions that Labour Day should be observed as a holiday in native as well as pakeha schools. Until his notice had! been drawn to the position he had not been aware that native schools had not had this privilege in the past, and it was the desire of the Government -that these schools should have the same treatment as all' others.

' Replying to Mr G. 'C. Black, the act-ing-Prime Minister said a meeting of tho central earthquake committee would be arranged at am early date, when the question of annuities to widows would be finally dealt (with. The matter was at present being considered by the sub-committee appointed at the last meeting of the central committee. The administration of the fund would be wound up as sooni as possible. The Incorporated Societies Amendment Bill was introduced and read a first time. The Motor 'Gabs Bill was read a second time proforma and referred to the Labour Bills Committee. In moving for tho committal of the Industrial and Provident Societies Amendment Bill, Mr H. G. R. Mason said'it was designed to give such societies tho same powers with respect to borrowing as were contained in the -Companies Act. The motion was adopted. The Local Elections and PollsAmendment Bill No. 2 (Mr J. McCombs) was read a second time. Mr Mc'Combs -said tho measure (was purely a permissive one. It merely empowered local bodies, if they soi desired, to adopt the more simple proportional representation system approved by the British. Proportional Representation Society in preference to tho more complicated Tasmanian system- at present in, use.

PROTECTION OF PAINTERS

Mr W, J. Jordan, moving the second reading of the Painters and Decorators Health Protection Bill, said it was intended to protect workers against the dangers attached to the use of white lead and l to “dry rubbing down” (smoothing of the dry surface of any painted structure by means of pumice stone, glass, paper or other material). Ho contended that white zinc could be used economically instead of white load and he urged that New Zealand should follow the example of other countries in safeguarding the workers against tho ravages of diseases caused by the use of lead paints. Mr G. C. Munns agreed with Mr Jordan’s remark's. 'He considered, however, that some time should be given to enable the replacement of white lead to be effected without causing disorganisation of the painting industry. Mr 'C. 'Carr said tho Bill embodied some of the findings of the Geneva labour conference on the subject, and •he: urged the House to bring the Dominion ’s legislation up to date. Hon. W. A. Veitch said he thought it -would bo acknowledged - that 'the proposals in tho Bill were such as would commend themselves: to the sympathetic consideration of Parliament. The question was how far it was reasonable to interfere with tho ordinary business of painting in order to protect the health of the workers. He believed very great improvements in health could! bo effected if a non-poisonous process of paint manufacture were perfected, and ho saw no reason why such an end should not be attained. He commended Mr Jordan for introducing the measure. The physical wellbeing of the people was cue of tho most important features of Parliament’s responsibility. Tho House should examine whether the Bill offered the best way of dealing with the problem. Hon. -S. G. Smith suggested the measure should bo referred to the Labour Bills 'Committee. Mr Jordan, in reply, agreed! to this suggestion and intimated that ho would bo agreeable to postponing the operation of the clause prohibiting'the use of lead for two and a-half years.

The Bill was read a second time and referred to tho committee.

Mr W. E. Barnard, moving the second reading of tho Destitute Persons Amendment (Bill, contended that the Magistrates’ Courts were competent to deal with orders for maintenance and separation, as the Bill provided. It had originally been intended that this should be the case. Mr Barnard agreed to the suggestion of )Mr W. D. Stewart that tlio Bill should be referred to the Statutes Revision Committee and it was read a second time and referred ito the committee. The second reading of the Property Law Amendment Bill was moved by Mr

Mason, who sard it dealt with titles for old deeds. It substituted 40 years for 60 years as the .period over which titles had to be searched. A similar course had already been adopted in England and he had also followed an English precedent in cutting down limitations of actions and suits relating to real property. Air Cobbo suggested the Bill should go before the Statutes Revision Committee. Air Stewart said that within a few years all the land (would be under the Land Transfer Act and the problem involved in searching would them dis- ■ appear. He added .that it was a false analogy to refer to the action thaLhad been taken in England because in that country it was practically impossible to get "back to the original grant, while in Nelw Zealand all such, title® had originated from Cfrown grants, and while there was a good deal of work involved in searching a title there was a definite basis to work upon. Air Mason, replying, said he had no objection to. referring the Bill to the Statutes Revision Committee. If it were passed it would save an enormous amount of work. • - ' - The Bill was read a second time'and referred to tho committee. : 1 The Life Insurance Agent® Bill (Air Carr) was read a second time pro forma and referred to the. Statutes Revision Committee. - .... The House rose at IOjJO p.m. till -2.30 to-morrow.