PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1930, Page 3

PARLIAMENT

THE COUNCIL. By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 28. In the Legislative Council, the Chartered Associations (protection of names and ..uniforms) Bill, was introduced and read a first time. The Magistrate’s Court Amendment Bill was Received from the House of Representatives and read a.first time. Imprest Supply Bill was put through all stages aucl passed. The Council adjourned at 8.50 p.iu. till, 2-30 p.lll. on Wednesday next. THE HOUSE. In the House of-Representatives the Workers’ Annual Leave Bill (Air Sullivan) was Vend a second time pro forma and referred to thq Labour Bills Committee. Imprest Supply Bill was put- through all stages and passed. Ninel local Bills were read a second time, put through the remaining stages and passed. The House rose, at 9.39 p.lll. till 2.30 p.ni. on Tuesday next to enable members to. attend; the- final/obsequies of the late Sir Maui Pomare. QUESTIONS. The HOll P. A. do la Perrelle, replying to Air Carr (Timaru), said it was not considered necessary to set up a Consumers’ CdUrtfcii- amder the Board of- Trade- Act. Competition- ‘was now particularly -keen in. many trades, and there -was not- at present any indica-. tion. of. spricial necessity for action to prevent profiteering. The Department which was keeping a close watch on prices, would investigate any ois.-

where it was suggested that unreasonable prices were being charged, and action would be taken without hesitation where necessary.

Replying to Air Fletcher (Qrey Lynn), the Hon P. A. de la Perelle said that inquiries throughout tlie Dominion showed that the margin of profit between the wholesale price of tea and the retail price to consumers was by 110 means unreasonable, i; .- u ; The Hon P... A.i de -la-, Perrelle -informed Air Wilkinson (Egmont) that •the investigations into flour-milling and bread-making costs, which had been recommended, by the special Wheat Committee of last session, were nearing completion. h ; Air Barnard (Napier) asked the Minister of Finance whether lie would consider the question of fixing license fees for hotels on a: graduated scale based upon sales of liquor. He said that the present fee of : £4O per year was sometimes a too large overhead expense for a' ren'iCte biickblocks inn. while- it was far tod sin all for' a large an'd'thriving town oddity hotel • The Miftistor replied that the matter would be taken into ednsideration whefi the Licensing Act 'was ' next filndhded. : "' ! ", '■ /'

‘Air AfdPlierson 'fisked the Minister of Finance' Ivljother. he :would give ex-? eiiniptions from ’ income; tax to a man supporting both liis father and mother, He stated that exemption was granted where a mail supported his widowed mother.,,

The Minister, said that owing to the financial position it' was not. possible to adopt a more generous scale at present, but consideration would he given to the point when a more favourable time arrived.