QUICK PASSAGE OF ESTIMATES IN HOUSE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7060, 7 November 1929, Page 7

QUICK PASSAGE OF ESTIMATES IN HOUSE

Rural Credit Extension POLITICAL OVERSIGHT OF UNIVERSITY FINANCE SEVERAL BILLS PASSED.

Por Press Association.

WELLINGTON, Last Night,

The House of Representatives resumed at 2.30 to-day and went into Committee of Supply to deal with general estimates.

The voto of £39,914 for the Treasury

Department was passed. The estimate of £13,990 for the Prime Minister’s Department was taken next.

In replying to Mr. Coates, Hon G. W. 'Forbes stated no definite decision had yet boon reached on the subject of tho appointment of a representative of tho Dominion to act in consultation with tho High Commissioner and to keep in touch with Imperial and Dominion affairs. The matter was still under consideration.

In replying to a further question by Mr. Coates, tho Minister stated a definite promiso had boon given by the Primo Minister that a delegation would bo sent from New Zealand to tho International Labour Conference. It had been too lato when the Government assumed office for arrangements to bo made for representation at the last conference but an understanding had been reached that a delegation would be sent to tho next meeting. The estimate was passed. The sum of £63,981 was granted for the Land and Income Tax Department.

In replying to Mr. D. Jones, Mr. Forbes said the Government would make a statement very shortly in regard to the appointment of a commission under tho hardship clause of tho Land and Income Tax Amendment, Act. The estimates of £8304 for tho 'Public Service superannuation fund account and £41,318 for the Department of External Affairs wore passed without debate.

Rural Credits.

In moving the second reading of the Rural Intermediate Credit Amendment Bill, Mr. Forbes stated that the only important clause was one permitting an increase in the maximum amount of advance to any one applicant from £IOOO to £2OOO. : . Mr. Coates asked whether the Minister could give any indication of the extent to which tho rural ‘ credits scheme was operating. Mr. A. Hamilton appreciated the value of the State’s assistance in this direction. He considered £2OOO was quite enough to lend on stock security. Mr. W. Lee Martin said the original Act had boon largely experimental. Ho rogarded tho Bill as a forward step. Mr. Forbes, in reply, declared thS increase to £2OOO was duo to a request from the board, backed up by the Farmers’ Union. Thp total sum than had boon advanced under the scheme amounted to £215,142. The Bill was read a second time.

University Finance.

Hon. H. Atmore, in moving tho second reading of the Now Zealand University Amendment Bill, stated it was proposed to change tho name of the governing body from “ Counoil” to “Senate.” Another important clause proposed to restore the statuory grant, which had been Cancelled last year.

Mr. E. A. Wright said tho New Zealand University was a comparatively • rich institution and he considered there should be provision for the needs of tho primary and secondary schools before £3845 should be paid to the University out of the consolidated fund. Mr. Young expressed the opinion that it was wrong in principle to make large sums available to the University. Without the .need for an annual appro* »

priation, tho House would have no opportunity of discussing the grants. Mr. E. J. Howard said ho did not

consider- University finance should be subject to political controversy. The Minister, in replying, said it was

important that - the University should hayc assured finance. There had been on increase in exponses lost year but no corresponding increase in revenue. The Bill was then read a second time. No Need For Conviction.

After several others had spoken, Mr. Stallworthy, in replying, said a magistrate would bo able to send people to homes without convicting them and even'without hearing tho charges laid against them. Ono thing that it had boon particularly desired to avoid was that tho homes should not in any way resemble gaols or asylums. The Bill had arisen out of tho necessity for providing some better place for poor old people, who were very harshly treated to-day. The Bill was rend a second time.

The Land Drainago and River Protection Bill was introduced by Gover-nor-General’s message. Mr. de la Perelle stated the measuro aimed at the consolidation of legislation relating to river protection and drainage boards. It -was not intended to put it through this session but to have it circulated, so that those interested could consider it during tho recess. The Bill was road a first time. The House then went into committee on Bills read a second time during tha day. Bills Rushed Through.

The Rural Intermediate Credit Amendment Bill and tho Taupiri Drainago and River District Bill went through committee unamended, were read a third time and passed. The Counties Amendment Bill, Shipping and Seamen Amendment Bill, Products Export Amendment Bill and Cinematograph Films Amendment Bill were read a third time and passed. Tho House rose at 11.8 p.m. till 11 a.m. to-morrow.