House Hires Transport Bill its First Reading

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7061, 8 November 1929, Page 5

House Hires Transport Bill its First Reading

PROGRESS REPORTED , COATES URGES SETTING UP OF A COMMISSION Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night.

The Transport Department Bill wai introduced into the House this morning by Governor-General’s message. In replying, to Mr. J. G. Coates, Hon. W,;A. Veitch stated that tha. Bill contained only those provisions necessary for setting up a Department of Transport and the appointment of a Minister of Transport. The leader of the Opposition again urged that a commission should be' sat up to determine the best means of facing the transport problem generally and formulating some scheme of coordination.

Mr, Veitch stated that the point at issue between Mr. Coates and himself had been whether to appoint an advisory council or a' Royal Commission. Owing to tho attitude of the leader, of the Opposition it had been necessary to drop the proposal to form an advisory council owing to the need of getting tho legislation through without serious opposition. It would not be reasonable to expect him to give way to the opposing point of view. In those circumstances, Mr. Veitch added that as the. problem would be a permanent' ono ho considered that an advisory council would be required to cope with it adequately, Mr. H. E. Holland suggested that, as the House was so widely divided on the question, the legislation should be left over till next session when there would be an opportunity to giva the matter adequate consideration. After further discussion, Mr. Veitch stated that, owing to the opposition raised, he would not proceed with tha Bill beyond the present stage. Mr. Mason urged the Minister not to adhere to that decision. He considered that the problem was such an urgent one that the Government would not be justified in leaving, the matter over till next session.

Messrs. Mupns and Hogan ' supported. this plea. Mr. Harris asked tho Minister to go on with the measure, but Messrs. Semple and Lysnar contended that it would not bo advisable to force it through at this stage of tho session. Mr. Clinkard stated that the evidence taken by the select committee had been overwhelmingly in favour of the establishment of a Department of Transport. He could not see why tho House could not havo taken tho step. In replying to Mr. H. E. Holand, Mr. Veitch said he would agree to progress being reported, and, in tho event of a compromise being reached in the meantime, to go on with tho Bill.

This course was followed and the Bill was read tho first time.