THROUGH WOMAN'S EYES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20367, 23 September 1929, Page 17

THROUGH WOMAN'S EYES.

THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT.

MARRIAGE LAW AMENDMENT.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. 3 "WELLINGTON. Saturday. The dull peace of the Estimates for Industries and Commerco—with Mr. | Cnbbe, who lias an ingratiating manner i and a charming Irish broguo, in charge—was shattered by the Prime Minister's announcement of the modification of the land taxation proposals. The Reform Party, tho "usual howl," as Sir Joseph terms it, was accused of organising bogus meetings against the land proposals, and Mr. Coates was charged with being in touch with tho largo landowners. This the Reform leader hotly denied, and threw down a challenge to tho effect that his party represented moro farmors than all tho rest of tho House. Tho modifications are, of courso, intended to allay tho general outcry, and whether they will silence it is a matter for doubt. Mr. Wilford's statement, during tho discussion of tho Police Estimates, that tho Christchurch newspapers, had hindered, rict helped, tho inquiries as to tho incendiaries, was received with considerable astonishment, and Mr. Kylo said it would bo seen by Christchurch with surprise. Ho declared tlmt women polico might "bo moro successful in discovering tho criminal. On tlio score of economy ha thought that womon polico would cost less in boot allowance, as they would tako number twos, and policemen probably tens. Ono fears that tho subtlo compliment was undeserved in theso days of hefty womon. Tho Minister stated that thero was no machinery for appointing women police, and when asked if ho would introduce an amendment to tho Act, said emphatically, "I will not," 110 was, however, in favour of women patrols. Through tho efforts of Mr. Mason, tho momber for Auckland Suburbs, you may, if you so desire, marry your husband's nephew or your wife's niece. It is such an unusual event for a privato mombcp, to get a bill through tho House —only two others liavo been so lucky in the last five years—that on resuming his scat after his achievement Mr. Mason had a round of applause. This measure will legalise some marriages that have taken place. The bill has yet to bo passed by tho Legislative Council. Workmen's Compensation. Only ten minutes was occupied with this bill, but Mr. Howard's Workers' Compensation Bill took till tho adjournment, when it was referred to tho Labour Bills Committee. Tho member for Christchurch South is a persistent and practical worker for tho*" , under-dog, as_ he terms tho worker, and is his ninth effort. Ho has gained several concessions by his persistence, and is very optimistic about this bill, Reeling sure that he has the support of tffi whole House, with tho exception, perhaps, of Mr. Lysnar. Reform, he said, would help him because of their accident in "November last. His proposal {hat employers should pay full j wages to a sick or injured worker may i not meet tho approval of tho employer, but as regards equal compensation for men and women there should bo only one opinion. We were given "an example of a man anij a woman each losing an eye, and told tho disparity of compensation, and yet a woman, as one speaker stated, was handicapped in her matrimonial life by such an accident. And the ladies' galleries acquiesced, knowing that it takos both eyes to look after a husband. Mr. Howard's remarks were so forcible that a man in tho gallery, in a terrible tone, called out " Hear, hear," and the speaker, thinking it was appreciation from a fellow member, returned thanks for tho applause. The man shouted that ho was a worker. Eventually a solemn procession, headed by tho chief messenger and consisting of several orderlies and a policoman, escorted the enthusiast from tho gallery. Strango characters sometimes get into the public gallory, and ono wonders why they come. It is hardly a place of entertainment. And yet the other Sunday two small children were seen walking into tho front entranco, under the impression that it was the museum. The Apostle of Peace. Poor Mr. Stalhvorthy! On Thursday evening ho was first described as an apostle of peace and a benefactor for his success and tact in reconciling two hostile hospital boards, and then ho was warmly criticised for a statement mado by him at a gathering of representatives of hospital boards, that privato wards and special services, to bo paid for, should be available in public hospitals. Labour and Reform both resented this as class distinction and begged the Minister to say whether it was lus own idea or tho Government's policy. Mr. Bodkin spoke in defenco of the* Minister, in spito of demands to lot Mr. Stalhvorthy tell his own story. Strong objections came from Mr. Nash. Mr. Lysnar, as usual, was at varianco with Labour and approved tho Minister's idea, as did also Mr. Hogan, while Mr. Fraser and Mr. Jordan denounced it as roost undemocratic. Is it not extraordinary that Mr. Marr from Australia and Sir James Parr from New Zealand should bo delegates to Geneva? With "Parr" and "Marr" looking aftor our interests they should bo well safeguarded. Mr. Holland, on Thursday deprecated tho secrecy of tho Government in regard to signing the optional clause, and urged tho Piwio Minister to disclose his policy. _ Sir Joseph said that as tho communications were marked secret this was impossible, and he was supported in this by tho Opposition leader. Tho discussion went on till the evoning papers arrived with tho information Mr. Holland desired. Doom c 1 Premiers' Home. If tho loss of tho Prime Ministers' residence in Tinakori Road was a matter for regret, tho cutting up of its beautiful gardens for building purposos is regarded with considerable indignation. Much money has been spent on theso lovely grounds, and soon they will bo in all their spring glory. This latest ukaso of the Cabinet is considered by many as unsporting on tho part of a Government that holds oflico on so precarious a tenure. The property is a national asset and one of tho very few breathing-spaces in congested Wellington. Simply because Sir Joseph Ward does not wish to occupy it —and ono quito sees his objection—it seems unreasonable to destroy its beauty. Tho residonco is a homo and not suited for business premises. However, one fears it is doomed.