NO NEED FOR HASTE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 10

NO NEED FOR HASTE

No good reason has yet been given by the Prime Minister for forcing the Primary Products Marketing Bill through the House of Representatives. The issues at stake are vitally important, warranting the closest examination and the utmost freedom of debate. Indeed it would be wise to encourage discussion, so that fanners can grasp the essential features of a complex scheme. Surely Mr. Savage does not want to bring them into the plan blindfold. They may have valuable suggestions to make through their organisations and Mr. Nash has pledged himself and the Government to consider any such contributions. The pledge may prove to be valueless if the bill is passed before producers have been allowed reasonable time in which to formulate their ideas. In any case there is no apparent need for haste. The new production season, when the scheme is to come into operation, does not open until August 1, almost three months hence. Ample time remains for full consideration. Mr. Savage himself has condemned the method of rush legislation. He has said he wants Parliament to function more efficiently and to take the time necessary to do so. He would ask members to sit the year round if there were work to be done. His statement was hailed as admirable, but already on two of his principal bills, relating to central banking and primary produce, Mr. Savage has reverted to the bad old method of lawmaking under pressure. The closure may be a necessary weapon for the leader of the House when working against time or in curbing purely obstructionist tactics, but neither excuse can yet be justifiably pleaded. With such deeply ■significant measures as the present bill, the Government should avoid creating the impression that it is impatient of discussion because its mind is closed on the subject.