Parliament.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 199, 8 August 1923, Page 3

Parliament.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. TUESDAY, AUGUST 7. Wellington, Aug. 7. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. PROTECTION OF WAGES. Mr, R. McKeon (Wellington South) asked the Premier if he was aware that ( owing to the Wellington Farmers’ Meat Company of Masterton going into liquidation a number of employees had been deprived of certain moneys due to them and whether ho would see that they obtained the moneys due to them.

Mr. Massey, in reply, said he had heard rumours of the -company going into liquidation, but his information was. only hearsay. So far as moneys coming to employees were . ooneenieii, ho ppiryted <xi\t that it was not his duly to protect them; that was the-duty oi the liquidator. He. however, knew a number of the directors intimately ami they were strictly honourable men and he did not think they would allow the men to lose a penny piece. He would see that the men suffered no loss in wages or savings if he could prevent it. His impression was that under the present law, the employees would have the first claim in the matter of wages if notice were given in time. HOUSING AT CHRISTCHURCH. Replying to Mr. L. M. Isitt (Christchurch North) Mr. Massey said he knew nothing more of the housing conditions in Christchurch than he had seen in the papers. In view of what he had seen, however, he. as Finance Minister would do all in his power to meet the case of the Christchurch City Council. When the old Act w°s in force, money was scarce and coulu only be borrowed at six per cent, so that it became very dear to those who had to borrow from the Government. That position was now passed and he would be pleased to do what he could to assist the Christchurch City Council with the necessary finance. TOTALISATOR PERMITS. Mr. J. M. Dickson, chairman of the M to Z Public Petitions Committee, brought down a report on two petitions praying for an increase in totalisator permits for trotting clubs. The com mittee recommended that the petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. On this report a discussion was initiated by Mr. T. M. Wilford, who declared that Wellington, with a one day permit, was most unjustly treated. Many members took part in the debate, during which reference was made to a “threatening” telegram sent to the Premier. Mr. Massey, in reply, said he remembered the telegram quite well, but did not at the time regard it as a threat, if he thought that was the sentiment! of racing people they would get no Bill. this year, for he was not going to be] intimidated by threats from them or anyone else. He reiterated his previous statement that a Bill would be placed before the House this session, when the question which the House would have to decide was whether permits were to be increased or not. When the Bill got before the House he suggested that members should not obstruct but take a vote on the measure and decide the question one way or the other. BILLS PASSED. The Auckland University Amendment and Victoria College Amendment Bills were put through the committee stage without amendment. Tlie Fisheries Amendment Bill was also put through committee with one minor amendment moved by the Minis ter. All the Bills were reported from committee, read a third time and passed. The House rque at 0.10 a.m. till 2.30 p.m,