N.Z. PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1932, Page 5

N.Z. PARLIAMENT

APPEENTICES’ BILL

MEETING ECONOMIC DIFFICULTY

(Per Press Assentation — Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 23

In the House of Representatives yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr H. E. Holland), gave notice of his intention to move that a. special committee, representative of all sections of the House, be set up to inquire into the most effective mean s of meeting the existing economic difficulties, and that such committee take into consideration the restoration and stabilisation of purchasing power, guaranteed prices, the raising of income for farmers and wage earners, employed and unemployed, J exchange rates, the effective utilisation and organisation of currency and credit, bounty, subsidy or bonu s to primary producers, and the establishment of a moratorium committee to report to the House within fourteen days. The Apprentices’ Bill was introduced by Governor-General’s message and read a first time.

The Hon. A. Hamilton said that the measure was a consolidation of the Apprentices’ Act, 1928, and subsequent amendments. It maintained the principle of apprenticeships contract and the conditions of employment. He would ask that the measure be referred to the Labour Bills Committee, so that evidence might be heard from all the parties interested. There was no particular need to hurry its legislation through, and ample opportunity would be given tor the hearing of representations. Reasonable amendments would be considered. Continuing, the Minister said that the Bill placed the control of the apprenticeship question in the hands of an Apprenticeship Council,, consisting of the registrar, two employers’ representatives, and two employees’ representatives.

Mr R. McKeen (Lab., Wellington South): “Are you abolishing the apprenticeship committees ? ”

■ Mr Hamilton: “No. Committees will be given better standing than at the present time. The registrar will be able to carry out the duties of committees in districts where there are no committees.’'

The Bill wa s read a second time, pro forma, and referred to the Labour Bills Committee.

The House agreed to an amendment made by the Legislative Council to the Local Authorities Sinking Funds Bill. The Native Land Amendment Bill

and referred to the Native Affairs Com mittee.

The Urban Farm Lands Rating Bill, and Hospital and Charitable. Institutions Amendment Bill were read a second time. The House rose at 11.50 p.m.