PARLIAMENT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 258, 14 October 1932, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THIS MORNING’S SITTING. NO. 2 IMPREST SUPPLY BILL. By Telegraph—Press Association. Parlt. Buildings, Oct. 14. The House of Representatives met at 10.30 o’clock. Mr J. McCombs gave notice of intention to introduce the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill. The No. 2 Imprest Supply Bill was introduced by GovernorGeneral’s message and accorded urgency. Mr A- Harris (Waitemata) protested against the action of the Government in driving married men into the country for relief work, He referred to the case of the Takapuna Borough Council, which was prepared to continue to employ 172 married men on reproductive work, and he asked why the board was insisting on breaking up these men's homes and driving them into the country. He was satisfied that even with little business acumen many works could be carried out in various towns, and he was referring to reproductive works of national importance which would keep the men somewhere near their homes. He believed that tho reverse policy was wrong, and he would not stand for it.

Replying to Labour speakers Mr 8. G. Smith said that no section of the community except a very small and irresponsible section would urge that relief work should be abolished and the men placed on the dole. Continuing, Mr Smith said that from a canvass that had been made in the cities it had been established that only 10 per cent, of the number of registered unemployed boys and youths could be absorbed in trade and commerce in the city. The only other avenue was the land, and in all parts of New Zealand hundreds of boys had gone out into the country. He himself had seen comment expressing the satisfaction of both farmers and boys with this scheme. There were admittedly complaints regarding the conditions, but from fais experience from one end of New Zealand to the other he could say that 98 per cent, of the farmers were playing the game by the boys. The discussion was interrupted by the adjournment of the House at 1 p.m.