HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 August 1928, Page 9

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr Bellringer (Taranaki) asked the Minister of Marine whether be could give "liny indications of the date when the alterations of the Cape Egmont lighthouse from a fixed to a flashing light would he carried into effect. This matter is ' urgent, having relation to the increasing overseas shipping at the Port of New Plymouth. The Hoti. Sir Maui Pomare (Acting Minister of Marine) replied: “According to the contract for supply of the new apparatus for Cape Egmont lighthouse, delivery should bo made in New Zealand in seven months from the date of letting the contract, so that_ the plant should arrive about the middle of' February next.”

RADIO FEES Mr Yeitch (Wanganui) asked the Postmaster-General whether he would issue definite instructions that owners of crystal sets can pay their wireless license quarterly in advance ; w also whether he would consider reducing th#feo for crystal sets, as they can'only obtain the local programmes, and have to pay the same as the owners of the expensive valve sets. The Hon. Mr Williams (for the Postmaster-General) replied: " “(1) It is not possible to differentiate in favour of users of crystal sets. The Department receives 5s out of each £1 10s paid in .annual fees, and the whble of this revenue is expended ‘in the collection of fees and the inspection of installations. A general authority to pay fees quarterly would eventually result in the imposition of a higher annual charge. (2) The Department’s experience is that the majority of crystal set owners very ■soon invest in valve sets. Unless a large amount were expended in the provision of additional inspectors, it would 'be quite impossible to keep a check on such changes. Moreover, the Government is under contract to pay to the Broadcasting Company £1 5s out of each listener’s annual fee; and the rate may not be reduced during the currency of the contract. The present system of charging is similar to that* i'i force in Great Britain and Australia, in both of which countries a very fine broadcasting service is provided and the proportion of listeners is very high.” LOCAL RATING Mr W. H. Field (Otaki) asked the Minister of Internal Affairs whether, in view of the acute and -growing controversy throughout the Dominion on* the subject of local rating, the frequent changes in the system of rating in various districts, and the undoubted hardship and loss resulting "to very many individuals, the Ttovernment will set up a Royal Commission, composed of independent men versed and skilled in this vitallv important subject, to bring down a report, the legislative adoption of which may bring about a just system of rating for universal use throughout the Dominion? L * The Hon. Sir Maui Pomaro (ActingMinister of Internal Affairs) replied: The question of the rating of farm lands in boroughs is at present being considered by a Commission of Inquiry. As that Commission has not yet furnished its report, it would not he proper for the Government to make any comment at at tlie present juncture. It is not considered desirable to set up a Commission to inquire into the general question of local rating, but- if the honourable gentleman has any particular phases thereof in mind, apart from tbe rating of farm lands in boroughs, and brings them under the notice of the Government, they will be given careful consideration. SOLDIER SETTLERS Mr A. M. Samuel (Ohinemuri) asked the Minister of Lands what facilities are being afforded returned soldier settlers who have obtained advances on current account under the' provisions of the Discharged Solcliers Settlement Act for improvements, or for improvements and stock, to have the advances on improvements capitalised? It is apparent that a large number of soldier settlers do not understand the procedure being followed by the Department in this connection. The Hon. A. D. McLeod (Minister of

Lands), replied: "On the expiry of a flat mortgage securing advances for improvements or for improvements and stock, the Discharged Soldier Settlement Regulations provide that a longterm mortgage can he taken as security for advances in’respect of improvements, and where necessary a separate security can be taken for advances, in respect of stock. All Commissioners of Crown Lands have been instructed to scrutinise existing current accohnt securities with the view of giving effect to the above, mentioned provisions where practicable.” APPRENTICES AND DRILL ' Mr H. G. R. Mason (Eden) asked the Minister of Defence' whether he will 1 arrange to have apprentices carried free on the railways to attend compulsory drills,’ thus,, doing away with the present hardship of having to pay expenses out of their small earnings. The Hon. F. J. Rolleston (Minister of Defence):. 'replied: “Territorials' and Cadets residing within it three-mile radius of a drill centre are required to attend parades and. to find their own means of locomotion. If residing outside this radius, they are not normally called up for parades except under special circumstances, when free transport is provided. " It is undesirable to make any concession which is not of universal application. PRICE OF EGGS ’ Mr W. Jones (Marsden) , asked ' the Minister of Agriculture whether it was correct, as reported iri yesterday s “Post,” that the Government was guaranteeing the poultry farmers over 2s per dozen for all eggs exported: The Hon. 0. J. Hawken replied that the statement w r as not correct. The guarantee that the Government was prepared to giye was £3 5s per case. That would amount to a little less than Is 5d per dozen here. “The Post” was quite incorrect in stating that the price was over 2s. BILLS INTRODUCED Mr T. K. Sidey’s Summer Time (Local, Empowering) Bill, four local Bills, and Mr P. Fraser’s Building Trades Employees’ Tools of Trade Insurance Bill, and Judicial Proceedings (Regulation of Reports) Bill were introduced, and read a first time: