PARLIAMENT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 269, 28 October 1932, Page 7

PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THIS MORNINC’S SITTING. NO EXTRA WORKING TIME FOR RELIEF MEN. By Telegraph—Press Association. Parlt. Buildings, Oct. 28. The House of Representatives met at 10.30. Mr E. J. Howard (Christchurch South) gave notice of his intention to introduce the Christchurch District Drainage Amendment Bill. Relying to Mr A. S. Richards (RoskiU), the Hon. A. Hamilton said that m view of the heavy call! upon the unemployment funds, it would not be possible to provide extra working time for relief men between now and Christmas. It was impossible at the moment to say what further assistance, if any, could be given before the holiday period. Replying to a further question byMr Richards, Mr Hamilton said that everything possible was being done to induce private employers to take on as many hands as possible. Mr R. A. Wright (Wellington Suburbs) asked the Minister of Justice if his attention had been drawn to the serious anomaly in the Crimes Act in relation to the conversion of motor cars, to which Mr Justice Herdman had drawn public notice; and, if so, would legislation be introduced this session to adjust the anomaly. Mr Wright explained that Mr Justice Herdman instructed a jury to acquit accused persons charged with stealing a motor car stating that under the present law he had no alternative. The Minister said he had not yet seen the report to which Mr Wright referred. However, he gave an assurance that if adjustment were necessary a very close investigation of the position would be made. The Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Amendment Bill and Auckland Transport Board Conversion of Loans Empowering Bill (both by Mr H, G. R. Mason (Auckland Suburbs) were introduced and read the first time. BUDGET DEBATE. The Budget debate was continued. Mr F. Lye (Waikato) referred to the speech by Mr A. J. Stallworthy, in which the latter had complained of “verbal assault” in the lebbies by the Hon. R. Masters, and had also disclosed a conversation with Mr Masters. Mr Lye said he had never before known a member to came into the House and complain in this manner. There was an unwritten law among members of Parliament not to disclose the confidential statements of others or conversations with other members, and he deprecated the action of Mr Stallworthy in disclosing in the House the statement he alleged Mr Masters had made on the subject of the Order-in-Council relating to picture theatres. Labour members: Then a statement was made!

Mr Lye: I am not concerned whether there was a statement or otherwise, but the action of the member for Eden seemed to me to be like the behaviour of a petulant child. Referring to Mr Stallworthy’s attitude on the school books contract, Mr Lye said he was disappointed that Mr Stallworthy had not attended the Minister’s meeting with the School Committee's Association at Auckland, at which the Minister had explained his side. Mr Stallworthy had also declined to attend a meeting of the caucus at which Mr Masters had stated his case, but Mr Stallworthy had proceeded to criticise the Minister’s actions on information as it had been presented to him.

Mr. R, McKeen (Wellington S.) said it was realised that the old banking system was no longer suitable to the economic situation. The present financial system had absolutely broken down and the need for change was becoming increasingly apparent. Financial policies should be controlled by Parliament, which should see to it that the banking system was used for the benefit of the country as a whole. A central bank was essential, but it should be a State institution. He hoped that the bank would not be established on the lines suggested by Sir Otto Niemeyer, who had come to New Zealand in the interests of the Bank of England and big financial concerns. Continuing, Mr. McKeen said it was apparent that discussions had taken place at Ottawa regarding future immigration and it seemed that there would shortly be a move to finance immigration schemes. The Government was apparently holding back information which should be in the possession of the members of Parliament. He was not opposed to immigration, but the Government should care for its own people first. New Zealand could accommodate millions more people if a progressive policy of industrial development were adopted. Mr. J. A. MacPherson (Oamaru). referring to the value of the wheat industry to New Zealand, said there were over a million acres of high-class wheat land in the Dominion and that was sufficient to meet the requirements of our people and stock. While it might be possible to import wheat and flour nominally more cheaply than we could produce it in New Zealand, it should be remembered that the most important feature of the industry was the offal, namely, bran and pollard. This was the life-blood of New Zealand and if it were lost we would find the avenues of export closed. The House adjourned at 1 p.m.