PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 291, 7 November 1929, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. SEVERAL BILLS RECEIVED. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nor. 7. The Legislative Council met at 10.3(1 a.m. to-day. The Rural Intermediate Credit Amendment Bill, the Taupiri Drainage and River District Bill,, the Counties Amendment Bill, the Shipping and Seamen Amendment Bill, the Products Export Amendment Bill and the Cinematograph Films Amendment Bill were received from the House and rend a first time. The Council adjourned at 10.40 until 2.30 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS. The House of Representatives met at 11 a.m. to-day. Ileplving to Mr Jordan, Hon. T. M. Wilford stated thnt the Defence Department had almost fhmliwd the arrangements for alternative service for those objecting to military training on conscientious grounds. The Minister added that it was probable such service would be with the Salvation Amy. NIUE ISLAND FRUIT. Sir Apirano Ngata gave a lengthy reply to a question from Mr Sullivan with regard to the disposal of Niue Island fruit. The Minister stated the fruit had been distributed throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand last year, mainly through registered auctioneers. In spite of the quality of the fruit, the prices obtained had been unsatisfactory, and, in order to stabilise the industry, the department had arranged to dispose of the fruit by tender on an f.o.b. Niue basis. It was expected that in this way it would be possible to ensure a fair price for tho growers and the sale of the fruit at a reasonable price to the consumers. An Appropriation Bill was introduced by Governor-General’s message and nead a first time. TRANSPORT BILL. The Transport Department Bill was also introduced by Governor-General s Replying to Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates Hon. W. A. Veitch stated that the bill contained only those provisions necessary for Betting up a Department of Transport and the appointment o. a Minister of Transport. The Leader of the Opposition again urged that a commission should be set up to determine the best means of racing the transport problem generally and formulating some scheme ot coordination. . , Hon. W. A. Veitch stated that tire point iat issue between Mr Coates and himself had been whether to appoint an Advisory Council or a Royal Commission. Owing to the of the Leader of the Opposition, it had been necessary to drop the proposal to form an Advisory Council owing to the need for getting the legislation through without serious opposition. It would "not be reasonable to expect him to givo way to the opposing point of view. Under those circumstances. Mr Veitch added that as the problem would be a permanent one he considered that an Advisory Council would be required to cope with it adequately.. Mr. H. E. Holland (Buffer) suggested that, as the House was so widely divided on the question, the legislation should lie left over.till next session when there would be in opportunity to give the matter adequate consideration. After further discussion. Mr Veitch stated that, owing to the opposition raised, he would not. proceed with the biff beyond the present stage. Mr Mason urged the Minister not to adhere to that decision. He considered that the problem was such nn urgent one that the Government would not be justified in. leaving the matter over till next session.

Messrs Munns and Hogan supported this plea. Mr Harris asked the Minister to go on with the measure, but Messrs. Semple and Lysnar contended that it would not be advisable to force it through at this stage of the session. Mr Clinkard stated that the evidence taken bv the select committee had been overwhelmingly in favour of the establishment of a Department of Transport. He could not see why the House could not have taken that step. Replying to Mr H. E. Holland, Mr Veitch said that he would agree to progress being reported, and, in the event of a compromise being reached in the meantime, to go on with the biff. This .course was followed and the biff was read the first time.

The supplementary estimates were introduced by the Governor-General’s message. ELSIE WALKER CASE.

Hon. T. M. Wilford laid on the table a statement by himself as Minister of Justice on the subject of the death of Elsie Walker. He said that it was so long that he would not read it. He stated, however, that the Government proposed next session to introduce a Coroners Amendment Bill. It was hoped that by a simple amendment it would be possible to provide that, m certain cases, in view of the evidence, especially new evidence, the Minister of Justice could order that a coroner’s inquest be reopened. The Minister added that neither tho draft of the Mil, at present in the hands of the law officers, nor the bill introduced by Mr MacMillnn was suitable, nor was the English law applicable to New Zealand conditions. F FRUIT OASES. A report was received from tlio industries and commerce committee recommending that fruit eases should be wholly manufactured in New WOland. * and that the Minister of Induotrjos and Commerce should arrange a conference of fruitgrowers, sawmillere and ethers interested to consider the =>attei\ ' The report was laid on the , CASH ORDER TRADING, The same committee recomrafe’hded that legislation as proposed by the Minister of Industries and Commera j n relation to cash order trading, Should be introduced with eertarn amepduvents. Mr Harris said he hoped that the legislation would not be introduce^.. Mr Barnard moved that the Import be* referred back to the committee for further consideration, Hon. J. G, Cobbe said that th% recommendations were in the direction c f protecting the publio, The amendment was lost on the Wnc'es and the report was laid on the tahte, The House adjourned at 1 p.m,