EMERGENCY POWERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 285, 30 October 1934, Page 7

EMERGENCY POWERS

TO DEAL WITH AGRICULTURE.

BIG DEBATE PROMISED

(By Telegraph.—Special to Standard.’ WELLINGTON, Oct. 30.

What will be the biggest debate of the session commenced in the House of Representatives to-day with the second reading and discussion of the Agricultural (Emergency Powers) Bill. When 24 members were to be found voting against the Government’s motion for urgency on its introduction it forecast strong opposition, and this mainly takes shape on account of the rapidity with which it is desired to pass this revolutionary legislation. Despite the agreement in the caucus to which the Bill was submitted it is an open secret that many Coalition supporters have grave doubts about unreservedly adopting the Bill in full, but it is equally certain that Cabinet has also made up its mind to push on, fortified by the Royal Commission’s weighty report, which the Prime Minister declares cannot be ignored. The point to which strongest exception is taken by the doubters among the Government supporters is the wide range of powers with which the Executive Commission of three is to-be mThe’Minister ot Agriculture (Hon. C. E. Macmillan) lias already explained how this body can do work for the general benefit of the export industry wliicn none of the control boards separately could handle. However, the argument likely to be most impressive in inducing the doubtful members to support the Bill is that the Executive Commission will be powerless unless its decision are authorised by Order-in-Council. This, m practice, means approval by Cabinet and is another indication of the Government s intention to take greater responsibility in connection with all the important export industries in the future. Unless the Executive Commission gets its Orders-in-Council it will lack executive authority, consequently all its important decisions will be subject to close Governmental scrutiny, which will give the opportunity for representation from the control boards and other interests concerned.

In deciding to proceed without delay, the Government has in mind the fact that another session must be called early next year which will give the opportunity to amend the Emergency Powers Bill if, during its preliminary stages of operation, it is found to be deficient in any respect.

STATE PROCEEDING WITH BILL

DAIRY INTERESTS BEING MET.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Oct. 29. It was made clear to a deputation which waited upon the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes), the Minister of Finance (Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) and the Minister of Agriculture (Hon. C. E. Macmillan), to-day, that the Government proposes to pass the Agriculture (Emergency Powers) Bill substantially in its present form, but an assurance of the Government’s intention of consulting the dairy industry on certain issues was given. The deputation represented a. South Auckland dairy company and allied interests, and was introduced by the Minister for Health (Hon. J. A. Young) in his capacity as member for Hamilton.

The conference, which lasted two hours, was conducted in private. The exchange of opinions was very frank and, to quote one memberv, the meeting served a good purpose in clearing the air.

The plan for the establishment of an. Executive Commission of Agriculture and reconstitution of the Hairy Board will be proceeded with. A delegation of authority to the various authorities will be brought about by Order-in-Council, and the Government informed the deputation that it ivouti be glad to receive representations on behalf of the industry when delegating these authorities, and to secure the co-opera-tion of the industry in smooth working of reconstruction proposals. in the meantime the Hairy Board proposes to hold conferences in each of the nine wards, beginning with a meeting in Dunedin on November 14. Subsequently delegates appointed at these meetings will confer with members of the Hairy Board in Wellington on Hecember 13. By that method it is hoped to secure a thoroughly representative expression of the industry’s opinions on the legislation, and these will be conveyed to the Government. The representations will be considered by Parliament during the recess and if necessary, amendments to the legislation now before the House will be made when Parliament resumes in February.

SHEEPOWNERS’ CRITICISM

MEASURE CONSIHEREH HANGEROUS.

Per Press Association. BUNEBIN, Oct. 29.

The following motion, carried by the Otago and Southland Sheepowners’ Association, has been forwarded to the Prime Minister“ The Otago and Southland Sheepowners’ Association strongly protests against the proposed legislation appointing three Government nominees with authority to control and levy on the sheep-farming industry. Sheep-farmers had no opportunity to place their views before the Dairv Commission and, as its recommendation vitally affects sheep-farmers, their evidence should have been called, for we consider that the measure is dangerous, socialistic, and unnecessary.” -