EARTHQUAKE LEGISLATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 111, 11 April 1931, Page 8

EARTHQUAKE LEGISLATION

The debate on the second reading of the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake Bill revealed the doubts of many members as to whether the measure in its present form would be workable. As anticipated there was objection to the proposed tax on insurable property, and support for a straight out loan to prepare the way for rehabilitation. The point was also made that the Adjustment Court proposed would not be able to cope with the work before it, and that there should be more than one, the services of retired Judges of the Supreme Court to be sought so as not to interfere with the routine of the latter Court. The complex nature of the Bill was stressed the other day, and the debate has served to emphasise this point. There was much, therefore, to commend the suggestion of Mr Coates that the Bill should be referred to a select committee. In announcing that this course would be taken Mr Eorbes stated that the Government realised the Bill would be subject to amendment, as he had “not looked upon it as perfect. 5 ' Neither have the, majority of members. The Committee s report should prove of Inestimable value to the House m the difficult task that confronts it.