PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20640, 12 August 1930, Page 11

PARLIAMENT.

IMPERIAL AFFAIRS. A LEISURELY DEBATL 'full pay discussion. rOOR MUSTER IN lIOUSE. THOUGHTFUL SPEECHES.

[BT TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.] ■WELLINGTON, Monday. The task of disposing of urgent business to enablo tho Prime Minister, tho Hon. G. W. Forbes, to leavo for the Imperial Conferenco was begun by the House of Representatives to-day, when I Monday sittings were inaugurated and tho provision for an automatic rising of tho House at 10.30 p.m. was dispensed with. Tho following fortnight bears all tho evidence of being tho busiest period of the session, but there was nothing in the atmosphere of the House to-day to suggest that a short era of frenzied labours was being entered upon. ''When the House met in tho afternoon the Prime Minister made a statement dealing with the more important issues exi pocted to be raised at the conference, and a leisurely debate with a half-hour limit on each speaker ensued. It was expected that the House would revert to further consideration of the Estimates after dinner, but Mr. Forbes intimated his desire that the debate on Imperial affairs should continue. The discussion proceeded on thoughtful lines and many interesting contributions to the subject came from the Reform and Labour benches. *The whole tenor of the debate was a refreshing change from the •" parish pump" topics that members are apt to introduce into even such a vital debate as a Budget with a wide sweep for revonue. It at least served the purpose of revealing that there is a surprising number of members whose view is not bounded by the local horizon of electorate or even national affairs. At the same time, the attendance in the House throughout tho day and evening was remarkably "thin," averaging only about 30, while at ono stage it fell as low as 24, which is only four above a quorum. Apart from the Prime Minister, no contribution to the debate came from the Government benches. The Prime Minister intimated during the day that ho would move in the direction of Government business taking precedence on Wednesday and Thursday of this week and next. The debate was concluded at 11.48 p.m., and the House adjourned. Tho first business to-morrow will be further consideration of the first item of the Estimates. The Customs Amendment Bill will be brought down in the evening.

AN AWKWARD TIME. DESIRE FOR REPRESENTATION BENEFIT FOR WHOLE COUNTRY. [BY TELEGRAM. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Monday. The spirit in which tho Prime Minister will enter into the Imperial Conference deliberations was explained in the speech in the House this evening, when be was replying to the debate on Imperial affairs. "I wish that I had not been called on to attend the conference at a time like the E resent," said Mr. Forbes. "I would ave liked the conference to have been two or three months later, so that I could have seen the work of the session through. That would have been more satisfactory. However, there is a feeling throughout the country, as far as I can ascertain the position, that the Prime Minister should go to the conference, and if I did not go, I realise I would be failing in my duty. Ido not go to represent a party. I go to represent New Zealand, and I will do that to the best of my ability. " In regard to the decisions to be made there, it has to be remembered that those decisions are not binding on the Parliaments concerned, but at the same time a delegate requires a certain degree of freedom. I desire to thank the House very much for the congratulations extended to me and for the very helpful suggestions made in this debate. Anything that may suggest itself to members in the interval before I depart I will bo very pleased indeed to give consideration to, and to see whether tho desires of members on such points can be given effect."

HOBSONVTLLE AIR BASE. THE FAIREY MACHINES. I TROUBLE WITH PETROL TANKS. [by telegraph.—special reporter.] WELLINGTON, Monday. Recent activities at the New Zealand -Air Force base at Hobsonville aro reviewed by Major-Gerierai It. Young iri the annual report on New Zealand defence forces laid on the table in the House of Representatives to-day. " The activities have been concentrated on the develop- | merit of this base and work has proceeded very satisfactorily, although there is still a good ileal of work to be done before it will be in complete running order," says the report. " Hie following works which were in hand last yfcar have now been completed : Water supply and drainage system, sea wall apron, slipway-jetty, runways and one airman's residence. The following new works have been put in hand during the past year, sonio already have been I completed and good progress is being made with the remainder: Seaplane hangar, block fuelling system, one married officer's residence, marine storeroom and aircraft repair sh/jp, plumber's and blacksmith's shop, mooring dolphin, pigeon-loft, oil store, garage, fire-alarm system and strcellighting. " There aro still a few minor buildings to bo provided for. These are at present under consideration mid it is hoped to have (be programme completed and the I base in full working order before tho end of the present financial year. A molorboat to operate in connection with seaplanes has been obtained arid is giving satisfactory results. " Tlm aircraft held at Hobsonville seaplane base consist of two Fairey 111. F machines and one D.H. Moth, all of which may be u<ed either as seaplanes or land planes.l With regard to the Fairey machines, trouble has been experienced, due i to dip bursting of the petrol tanks while >n flight. A representative of the Fairey Aviation Company is now at Hobsonville and the cause of tho trouble will bo ascertained. " A small two-engined flying-boat has been ordered for use at Hobonsville. J bis machine, will be most useful in training pilots for future employment in the large flying-boats recommended for coastal recuiuiaissadce work." I I