BUTTER QUESTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 16 October 1920, Page 5

BUTTER QUESTION

FURTHER DISCUSSION IN THE a HOUSE. (By Telegraph.—Special to Mail.) WELLINGTON, This Bay. Onlv 15 minutes were loft members of the Mouse yesterday afternoon, in which to further debate the report of rhe Butter Prices Investigation Committee. , The Prime Minister had promised an afternoon for dismission, hut the House had been talking until within fifteen minutes of the dinner adjournment oa the Select Committee’s reports on petitions, when finally the butter- question was called on. ' Mr Mitchell asked the Minister in charge of the House, Sir W. Herrms, whether the debate could not continue after fhe dinner adjournment. ••Come to a decision on the_ report and get it out of iho way,” said the Minister. Cries of “Hear, hear ami “No.

“The Government offered an opportunity of its discussion,” said the. Minister,’ “and. if the promise has been fulfilled,” he could not make any further promise in the absence of the Prime Minister. . Mr Holland: “It will be a scandal d‘ von slnib ibis off.” Mr F raser : “IF will ho n. di's-rnr-r.” Sir William Homes said he would consult the Prime Minister.

Mr McCombs, who had the floor, then continued his speech where it bad ended on Wednesday afternoon, and the Minister loft the Chamber to consult Mr Massey.

Mr McCombs said he intended to take up the whole of iho available time. The. member spoke at the highest speed, but was frequently interrupted in his criticisms of butter producers, and the interruptions became so loud at last that the Speaker bad to call for order, “It’s apparent 1 am getting under the skin of the. exploit er,” said Mr McCombs. Mr Speaker skid the remark was one that should not bo made. Mr McCombs was -proceeding with his speech, but the Prime Minister called the Speaker’s attention to what hart been said. There was more In the remark than at first appeared, he said. Ic was directed at one who had boon interjecting, and bo must suggest that the member be asked to withdraw HA expression. The. Speaker said that if the remark was made in regard to a member of the House, ho must withdraw it. Mr McCombs said that he had not known whom the interjections were, coming from. When the House resumed jii xhe evening - , Mr, Mitchell asked the Prime Minister if 'further opportunity would bo given members to discuss the report ? Mr Massey ; “I can’t keep the public any further in suspense.” Mr Holland: “Why dostyou iot us go on with it to-night?” - Mr Massey: “I have something ol greater importance for the House to do.” . Mr Holland: “You promised us an opportunity.” Mr Massey: “I gave yon an opportunity to-day.” Mr Holland: “Fourteen minutes. Mr Massey: “I gave you the opportunity which the Standing Orders allowed', Von had the afternoon.” Ho recalled very rare occasions on whicn the Standing Orders had been suspended to allow of discussion on a report of a committee to be continued after the dinner adjournment. It was, ho repeated, impossible"to keep the public any longer in suspense about the puce of butter.

air Holland ; “Can’t yon g : vo us Monday night Mr Massey: “Monday mgnt’s business is settled, and I cannot go back on arrangements.” • Mr Holland; “Tuesday ?” “ '• Mr Massey: “1 will consider that.” Ho did not care how long they discussed it, if they wanted to prolong the session, but ho had to do < the right thing by the people. Mr Holland: “it is a most important thing.” Mr Massey: “But what difference does it make if you discuss it for all time?” Ho added that‘some members had discussed other things at great length during the afternoon, and they had'onlv themselves to blame, 3klr McCombs said the Prime Minister had stated he was issuing instructions for the new prices. air aiassey replied that the proclamation was not issued, but ho had given instructions for it to be issued. If members Wanted to discuss the matter next week, he would give them time. He could not have people continuing to pay 2s. lOd and 2s lid for their butter. • . Mr Parry : “You are anxious about that all at once;” , Mr aiassey: “I won’t discuss that now.”