"TO ABOLISH 'HANSARD'"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 30 November 1927, Page 8

"TO ABOLISH 'HANSARD'"

BROADCASTING INSTEAD SUGGESTION BY MINISTER (By Telegraph) {Fioitt. i'The Moil's" Parliamentary Reporter). WELLINGTON, 29tli Nov. The possibilities of wireless as a substitute for "Hansard" were alluded to by the Minister in charge of the Legislative Department in the House of Representatives to-night replying to a suggestion by (lie Leader of the Opposition that the "Hansard" supervison should bo given greater assistance. "I am seriously thinking," said the Minister (the Hon. W. Nosworthy), "of recommending to my colleagues that we should do away witlf* "Hansard" altogether and go in for broadcasting." (Laughter). That he said would enable the Leader .of the Opposition to be heard by the workers in their homes. It would save a lot of money, it would save correcting "Hansard" proofs. Mr D. G. Sullivan: "What has the public done to deserve having to listen to the honourable minister?" "I think the day is coming when a great reform will be possible," said the Minister, ignoring the question. "I am going to seriously consider it from that aspect before next session." The Leader of the Opposition: "Do you think it would make it impossible to look at your back speeches 1 ?" Mr Nosworthy: "It would cut out all the time that is wasted in looking up what hon. members said in the past. Let us start out in a new direction altogether." They should not consider what was behind but what was ahead. Mr G. W. Forbes: What about 'Ministers' promises; we would lose them. "That- would be all right," said the Minister; "If a Minister makes a promise he keeps it." Mr W. A. Veitch: "Keeps it to himself."