IN PARLIAMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 261, 2 October 1936, Page 2

IN PARLIAMENT

JOTTINGS FROM THE HOUSE. SCENERY PRESERVATION. The number of scenic reservations in the Dominion is now 980, covering a total area of more than 705,000 ttcres, states the annual report of the Lands and Survey Department on scenery preservation, presented to the House of Representatives by the Minister of Lands (Hon. E. Langstone). Discussing future operations the report states that much work still remains to be done in scenery preservation, many areas which should be owned by the State still being held in private ownership. The financial position of the country in past years had resulted in the department having to remain content with very small allocations. If it could be assured of a substantial annual vote the department could proceed steadily with the acquisition of areas of outstanding scenic interest.

MOVEMENTS OF COMPANIES. Referring to rationalisation of industry, Mr T. H. McCombs said that during the first six months of this year 400 new companies were registered in New Zealand, and in the same period 300 companies were out of existence. In the corresponding period last year 300 companies went out of existence. Statistics showed that only about 6 per cent, of new companies succeeded. Surely, he asked, something should be done to stop the enormous waste of effort, time and capital represented in such failures. The Industrial Efficiency Bill would do much to prevent that economic waste. PLAN OF FOREST WORKS.

A programme of forest works for the next five years is suggested in the annual report of the State Forest Service, which was presented in the House yesterday by the Commissioner of State Forests (Hon. F. Langstone). The programme comprises the extension of fire-protection methods; a limitation on the further planting oi exotics to consolidation and blanking of existing forests; further experimental under-planting of indigenous cutover forests with exotics; the adoption of working plan management for the major kauri forests, portions of the silver-beecli forests of Southland, the rinni pole-type forests of Westland, and the mixed rinni forests of the North Island, and the substitution of log sales for block sales of standing timber wherever practicable. CORONATION SOUVENIRS. In notice of a question to the Minister of Education, Mr R. A. Wright asked if it was the intention of the Government to supply medallions or badges to be worn by school children during the Coronation ceremonies. If the Government proposed to undertake the provision of this, said Mr Wright, would local manufacturers be given an opportunity to tender for the souvenirs '{ He added that the cost need not be excessive and might be met by a Government subsidy and a contribution bv the parents. IMPROVED TIMBER EXPORTS. Exports of timber for the calendar year 1935 were the highest for nearly a decade, and totalled in round figures 39,642,000 ft. board measure, or 5,000,000 ft. more than in 1934, states the annual report of the State Forestry Department. Matai showed the greatest proportional increase, but as this comprised very largely old timber, which was almost unsaleable in the Dominion, the extra overseas demand was of distinct benefit to the mining industry. The timber imported during 1935 exceeded the 1934 imports by approximately 14,000,000 ft. in volume and £165,300 in value, the figures being 31,356,000 ft., valued at £394,400. THE TURAKINA DEVIATION.

The Railway Authorisation Bill was introduced by Hon. R. Semple, who explained that it was u measure to authorise the deviation of the New Plymouth railway near Turakina. The cost would be about £500.000, and the job would take about three years to complete. The Bill was read the first time. LICENSING INDUSTRY.

“Does the Minister think it wise that the Bureau of Industry and the Minister should have the last word when licenses are being issued?” asked Mr W. P. Endean in the debate on the Industrial Efficiency Bill. “No Minister would desire personally to take the responsibility,” said Moil. D. G. Sullivan, “but in bis own field the Minister in charge of a department is the highest representative of the State in that field. The Minister may appoint some person or persons to report to him concerning a license.” “Why not let them go to the Court?” asked Mr Endean. “There may be £IOO,OOO involved, and you may be wrong.” ‘‘The Minister may appoint a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Magistrate or a group of experts to do that work,” added Mr Sullivan. Mr Endean: Why not mention the tribunal? “I am not going to argue with the honourable gentleman,” said Mr Sullivan, “but T would get as near as possible to the course I have mentioned under the terms of the Bill. I tiling that would be a substantial safeguard.”