N.Z. RAILWAYS BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1933, Page 5

N.Z. RAILWAYS BILL

LABOUR AMENDMENTS DEFEATED. PASSAGE AFTER THIRD READING (Per Press Copyright ., WELLINGTON, March 10. In the House during the committee stage of the Government Railways Amendment Bill, Labour members endeavoured to have the measure amended in such a way that the Government’s rights would he restricted to leaping (and nut selling) unprofitable or uncompleted lines. Mr W- E, Barnard (Bab., Napier), moved amendments to this effect, but they were rejected by 38 to 23. Mr Bardard then moved that any contract made with a private company should not become operative until it was ratified by Parliament. This was defeated by 37 to 25.

Speaking on the tim'd reading, the Leader of the Opposition expressed the opinioh that the Government had taken altogether too wide powers under the bill. If put fully into effect, they would prove disastrous to the country. Mr Barnard expressed regret that the House had not -agreed _ to the amendments moved in committee. He contended that the Government ha a power under the bill, as it stood, to complete contracts with private companies without any reference to Parliament.

Mr Forbes gave an assurance that there was n o 'intention of not consulting Parliament in regard to any developments that might eventuate under the bill. He could not say that any private company actually would desire to take over one of the unprofitable or uncompleted lines, but the bill would give power for opening negotiations with such company if it was formed. It would then be possible to carry negotiations to an advanced state, after which the proposition could be discussed by Parliament. ' The bill was read a third time a nd passed.