AGRICULTURAL BILL

Northern Advocate, 7 November 1934, Page 6

AGRICULTURAL BILL

CAUCUS CONFIRMATION ONE MAJOR CHANGE SECRECY UNTIL TO-MORROW [From Our Parliamentary Special.] WELLINGTON, This Day. Contrary to all expectations, few alterations have been made in the Agricultural (Emergency Powers) Bill, which was confirmed by the Coalition caucus yesterday. The only change of import, according to information gained last night, is that it will be necessary for the proposed Executive Commission of Agriculture to confer with any of the export control boards if it intends to interfere in any way with its functions or the manner in which it carries out its duties. The measure was under discussion by members of the Coalition for nearly three hours, and many protests which had been received by individual members were aired, but Messrs. Forbes and Coates were able to turn the tide of opposition and secure a unanimous vote on the bill as it had been amended. The amendments, it is understood, are mainly of a machinery nature, and do not alter the principles of dictatorship as contained in the original proposals. It is understood that telegrams have been received by the Government from representative Taranaki interests supporting the measure as it stands, and it has been indicated by some Waikato and Southland dairying interests that they also support the passing of the Bill.

The amendments, will not be made public until Thursday, when they will be dealt with by the House during the committee .stages of the Bill. The Prime Minister refused to give any indication of their nature, and he urged members of the party to keep them secret until they came before, the House,