PARLIAMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 245, 11 September 1930, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS

MINISTERS REPLY TO QUESTIONS A wide variety of topics came up for review in the House of Representatives yesterday, several private members’ Bills being’ dealt with in addition to a number of questions being answered by Ministers. There ivas little else of interest in the proceedings.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MINOR BILLS PASSED.

Per Press Association

WELLINGTON, Sept. 10. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. to-day. The Unemployment Bill was received from the House of Representatives and read a first time.

The acting Leader of the Council, Hon. R. Masters, said it was intended to refer the Bill to the Labour Bills Committee. The Masterton Trust Lands Amendment Bill, the Rotorua Borough Empowering Bill, the Dunedin City Corporation Empowering Amendment Bill, the Wellington City Exhibition Grounds Amendment Bill and the Invercargill City Fire and Accident Insurance Fund Empowering Bill were read a third time and passed. The Council adjourned at 2.45 until 2.30 to-morrow.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ANSWERS TcTqUESTIONS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 10. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 to-day. Replying to the leader of the Labour Party, Mr H. E. Holland, the Minister of Education, Hon. H. Atmore, said he would give instructions that Labour Day should be observed as a holiday in Native as well as pakeha schools. Until his notice had been drawn to the position he had not been aware that Native schools had not had this privilege in the past, and it was the desire of the Government that these schools should have the same treatment as all others. OUT OF WORK NURSES.

Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health, replying to Mr 1\ Fraser, said it was known that a number of trained nurses were at present unemployed. Consideration would be given to the question of introducing regulations to enforce the minimum proportion of trained nurses to trainees and also of trained nurses to patients. Further inquiry was necessary before any practicable measures could betaken. Asregards public general hospitals the minimum proportion of one trained nurse to three trainees was at present widely but not universally observed. In reply to a further point raised by Mr Fraser, Mr Stallworthy said the provision of nursing services in country districts was the function of hospital boards. Mr H. E. Holland asked the Post-master-General, Hon. J. B. Donald, whether he was aware that the issues of the New Zealand Samoa Guardian of the 7th and 14th August respectively had been confiscated by the Postal department and if so would he inform the House why this action had been taken.

Mr Donald said lie was aware that the issues mentioned had been inter-' cepted in the post and destroyed. The action had been taken under the Post and Telegraph Act because the newspapers contained matter of a libellious nature. In taking this action the Department had merely been carrying out the law. OLD AGE PENSIONS. Hon. J. G. Cobbe, Minister of Pensions, replying to Mr W. J. Jordan, said it was not proposed to make payment of old ago and widows’ pensions outside New Zealand, nor was it intended to apply the provisions of New Zealand pensions legislation to residents of the Dominion’s dependencies and mandated territories. PROPOSED LEVY ON WOOL. Replying to Mr W. H. Field, Hon. A. J. Murdoch, Minister of Agriculture, said no legislative authority existed in New Zealand for declaring a levy on wool on lines similar to those adopted in South Africa. The matter of introducing legislation giving such power had lately been discussed by the Sheepowners’ Federation and barmers Union and was now having the consideration of the Government. Mr Field drew attention to a letter from Mr Bernard Tripp written in London describing what the South African Government was doing for the advancement of the wool-growing industry. DESTRUCTION OF KEAS.

Mr Murdoch, replying to Mr T. D. Burnett, said the bonus payable by the Department of Agriculture for of lceas had been withdrawn. In© question of its reinstatement would be given further consideration. . Mr Burnett pointed out that in the present critical period for the woolgrowers of the Dominion the stopping of the bonus would be one of the factors making for the abandonment of large areas of Crown lands in the back country of the South Island. LAKE COLERIDGE PROBLEM.

The acting Prime Minister, Hon. E. A Ransom, replying to Mr E. J. Howard, said the Government did not intend at present to install steam, Diesel or other plant at Christchurch for the purpose of enabling it to stand by its contract for the delivery’ of electric power to the city. However, in view of the dry winter period experienced this year the Government had already commenced work on the diversion of the Acheron River in order that the supply might be augmented. In view of the fact that the Waitaki power scheme providing for an ultimate installed capacity of 75,000 liorse-power was in such an advanced stage of construction, and that it would be interconnected with the Lake Coleridge system of supply, there would appear to be no necessity for Christchurch to harness the Waimakariri River for the generation of electricity. Moreover the information nt present available would indicate that it was not the desire of the city of Christchurch to enter into such a large expenditure as would be involved in the Waimakariri scheme.

EMPLOYMENT OF MUSICIANS. Mr R. Semple asked the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, whether it had come to his notice that quite recently some of the Auckland picture theatre proprietors had disposed of “canned” music and re-employed local musicians, and that the proprietors had been given notice by an American film company that unless they discontinued the musicians and reinstated American music, their film supplies would be cut off. Mr Perrelle replied that careful inquiries had been made some time ago mto this matter by officials of the

department, but the information obtained did not support the suggestion contained in Mr Semple’s question. The reason generally given by theatre proprietors for not employing an orchestra was that owing to the fact that most of the pictures now had a dialogue accompaniment, there was very little work for an orchestra, and in view of the greatly increased cost of films and sound equipment the expense was not warranted. The department, however, was watching this position closely and was prepared to do anything possible to encourage the employment of New Zealand musicians. It was understood that orchestras had been reinstated into a number of Australian theatres, and it was hoped that if the experiment was successful the same action would be taken by New Zealand exhibitors. AN EXPLANATION. Mr Ransom made a statement in reply to a question asked by Mr R. Melveen as to whether his attention had been drawn to a statement to the effect that a circular had been issued from the Public Works Department to its employees advising them of a reduction in their wages, and whether in view of the assurance given by him that no instructions had been given to reduce wages, he would immediately cancel the action of the head of the department. Mr Ransom stated that for many years it had been the practice in the Wellington Public Works workshops and bulk store to pay 45 hours wages to 44 hours work per week. 'J he origin of this procedure was somewhat obscure, but as far as could bo ascertained the concession had been in operation for from fifteen to twenty years. It seemed that the employees of the workships had desired Saturday afternoons off and offered to work extra time between Monday and Friday, reducing their lunch time. However, they had subsequently found that the period for lunch was too short and renewed representations had resulted in arrangements whereby if the men worked 40 hours and on Saturdays they would be booked and paid for 45 hours per week, five hours being booked on Saturdays, although they worked only four hours that day. This arrangement had been operated under unwritten instructions. It was estimated that on a conservative basis this concession was costing the department in the vicinity of £450 per annum on the present wages bill and represented an unproductive overhead which contributed substantially towards the recurring deficit in the workshops account. The department observed the Arbitration Court awards in the matter of rates of pay in the workshops and as the employees received quite liberal concessions in the way of annual leave and payment for statutory holidays not accorded outside the Department the position was reviewed by the Minister of Public Works.

Moreover such an arrangement was not fair to men in similar employment in other districts and complaints had been received. It had therefore been deckled to remove this source of irritation and pay the men only for the time they worked. The principle of paying men one hour per week for nothing could not be substantiated. LABOUR MEMBER’S BILL. In moving the second reading of tiro Invalids’ Pensions Bill, Mr J. O’Brien said he realised that the measure would not get far as a private member’s Bill because it involved an appropriation. He pointed out, however, that it bridged a little gap in pensions legislation and if adopted it would complete New Zealand's claims to be the most progressive in social legislation in the world. There were already pensions for the blind and for widows, but when a man was incapacitated, but still alive he and his dependents were deprived of the advantages of any pension. He pleaded with the Government to take the matter up, and if it would not do anything this session, to bring down a Bill on similar lines next year. Mr A. M. Samuel said ho did not think any taxpayer would cavil at paying a little more to provide an allowance for people who would be assisted by the Bill. He urged the Government to take the measure up. Messrs Eraser and Parry also spoke in support of the Bill. The Minister of Pensions said he was sure the proposals in the Bill had the sympathy of every member of the House. It was unfortunate, however, that at a time of financial stress like the present it was impossible for the Government to do anything this year as it would involve so much additional expenditure. He hoped it would be possible to do something in the direction of the provisions embodied in the Bill when conditions improved. Mr M. J. Savage said the cost of putting the proposals of the measure into operation would be a matter of transferring rather than increasing taxation. The burden on hospital boards would be transferred to the general taxpayer. The State should be prepared to accept its obligations. Mr R. A. Wright said the Bill seemed to have been carefully drawn, safeguarding the country in various directions against imposition. He agreed that all parties were in favour of some measure of the kind. Mr C. H. Chapman also supported the Bill, which was read a second time. PROGRESS OF BILLS. The Motor Cabs Bill (Mr H. G. R. Mason) was read a second time pro forma and referred to the Labour Bills Committee. In moving for committal of the Industrial and Provident Societies Amendment Bill. Mr Mason said it was designed to give such societies the same powers with respect to borrowing as were contained in the Companies Act. The motion was adopted.

The Local Elections and Polls Amendment Bill No. 2 (Mr J. McCombs) was' read a second time. Mr McCombs said the measure was purely a permissive one. It merely empowered local bodies, if they so desired, to adopt a more simple proportional representation system, that approved by the British Proportional Representation Society in preference to the more complicated Tasmanian system. PROTECTION OF PAINTERS. Mr J. W. Jordan, in moving the second reading of the Painters and Decorators Health Protection Bill, said it was intended to protect workers

COMING BUSINESS

LEADERS TO CONFER

WELLINGTON, Sept. 10

against the dangers attached to the use of white lead and to “dry rubbing down” (smoothing of dry surface of any painted structure by means of pumice stone, glass paper or other material). He contended that white zinc could be used economically instead of white lead, and he urged that New Zealand should follow the example of other countries in safeguarding the workers against the ravages of diseases caused by the use of lead paints. Mr G. C. Munns agreed with Mr Jordan’s remarks. He considered, however, some time should be given to enable the replacement of white lead to bo effected without causing a disorganising of the painting industry. Rev. C. Carr stated that the Bill embodied some of the findings of the Geneva Labour Conference on the subject, and he urged the House to bring the Dominion’s legislation up-to-date. Hon. W. A. Veitch said he thought it would be acknowledged that the proposals in the Bill were such as would commend themselves to the sympathetic consideration of Parliament. The question was how far it was reasonable to interfere with the ordinary business of painting in order to protect the health of workers. He believed very great improvements in their health could be effected if a non-poisonous process of paint manufacture were perfected, and he 6aw no reason why such an end should not be attained. He commended Mr Jordan for introducing the measure. The physical well-being of the people was one of the most important features of Parliament’s responsibility. The House should examine whether the Bill offered the best way of dealing with the problem. Mr Smith suggested that tho measure should be referred to the Labour Bills Committee.

Mr Jordan, replying, agreed to this suggestion and also intimated that he would be agreeable to postponing the operation of the clause prohibiting the use of lead for two and a-holf years. The Bill was read a second time and referred to the committee.

The second reading of the Property Law Amendment Bill was moved by Mr Mason, who said it dealt with titles for old deeds. It substituted 40 years for 60 years as tliu period over which titles had to be searched. A similar course had alreadi' been adopted in England and ho hud also followed the English precedent in cutting down the limitations of actions and suits relating to real property. Mr Cobbe suggested that the Bui should go before the Statutes Revision Committee. Mr W. Downie Stewart said that within a few years all land would be under the Land Transfer Act and the problem involved in searching would then disappear. He added that it was a false analogy to refer to the action that had been taken in England, because in that country it was practically impossible to get back to the original grant, while in New Zealand all such titles had originated from Crown grants, and while there was a good deal of work involved in searching for a title there was a definite basis to work upon. Mr Mason, replying, said he had no objection to referring the Bill to the Statutes Revision Committee. If it were passed it would save an enormous amount of work. . The Bill was read a second time and referred, to the Statutes Revision Committee. ' „ The Insurance Agents Bill (Rev. Carr) was read a second time pro forma and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The House rose at 10.30 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.

The whittling down of the Order Paper with a view to ending the work of the session as expeditiously as possible, is a question still engaging the attention of the Government. The acting-Prime Minister, Hon. E. A. Ransom, said this evening that he would probably confer with the leaders of the Reform and Labour parties to-day with a view to adjusting the remaining business to tho House s mutual satisfaction. , Mr Ransom was asked what the Government’s intentions were with regard to the Transport Bill, the delay of which until next session has been mooted, but he replied that he preferred to make a statement on the whole question of remaining legislation a little later in the week. SAND-DUNE RECLAMATION.

The provision of immediate employment and much-needed timber, posts and firewood by planting cupressus macrocarpa and other suitable timber trees on waste sandy land on the Manawatu coast was advocated by Mr W. H. Field in a question he put to tire Commissioner of State Forests, Mr Ransom. .. , . .. , , Mr Ransom replied that tire planting of sand-dune country always entailed costly preliminary sand-fixation work, as well as drainage work for inter-dune swamp areas. In addition, the cost of acquisition of private land had to be considered. The State Forest Service was of opinion that tree-planting by the State m the loccality referred to would not be profitable. Under these circumstances, it was not proposed to establish the plantations suggested. GOLD-MINING LEGISLATION.

“It is not proposed to introduce legislation this session to assist goldmming,” said the Minister of Mines, Mr Murdoch when replying to a question by Mr Samuel. “There is provision In the present Mining Act for prospectors to take up an area up to ten thousand acres for a period of five yearS ' BANKING PROPOSAL.

Owing to the depressed financial conditions in London and elsewhere the promoters of the London and New Zealand Bank, Limited, have not yet arranged for the subsci iption of £1,000,000, a condition precedent to the' proclamation of the bank as stipulated bv the Act of 1928. There has now been presented to Parliament a petition from Sydney Kirkcaldie, of Wellington, and others, asking that the period within which the stipulated subscription is raised should be extended by two years to July 31, 1932. It is hoped to have passed a private Bill giving this legislative authority.