MORE ACTIVITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22877, 4 November 1937, Page 13

MORE ACTIVITY

VARIETY, OFTOPICS

BROADCASTING DEBATE KEEN INTEREST TAKEN CRITICISM AND DEFENCE [by telegraph—SPEClAL reporter] -\VELLTXG TOX, Wedtiesday The late sitting last night on the Jmest Supply Bill did not impair tho ' th'ity of members of the House of jicpreseiitatives to-day. One Government hill was passed, another intro-

duced, while a thu;d gave rise to a / v ;, ror ous debate on the Government's broiulcasting policy and the actions of tl),» controller of commercial broadcasting Mr. G. G. Scriingeour. The new Government measure introduced during the day was the Coal Alines Amendment Bill, a miscellaneous measure designed to* bring the original legislation up to date in several respects ami also to provide for greater safety in working conditions. The bill was read a second time pro forma, and referred ' to the Mines Committee, During the afternoon there was some

discussion in committee on the Army * Board Bill, which was given its second reading last week. The Opposition put forward an amendment designed to givo a senior territorial officer a seat on tho board; but this was defeated. 13v far the greatest interest was taken in the seeohd reading debate on the Broadcasting Amendment Bill, which provides fot the separation of tho commercial broadcasting service from the national broadcasting service, and . for the validation of Mr. Serimgeour's appointment as controller of the former service. It was not long before Opposition members launched a determined attack On the principle of commercial broadcasting in general, and on Mr. Serimgeour's activities in particular. The principal reply from the Government side was contributed by Mr. J- A. L£e (Grey Lynn), who gave a leugthy review of incidents connected with the jamming of the Friendly Road station just before the last general election. ' The debate was still proceeding when the House rose at 10.30 o'clock. EXTENDING FRANCHISE POWER BOARD BILL PROCEDURE CRITICISED PROTEST MADE BY MR. COATES [BV TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WE.LLIXGTOX, Wednesday The attitude of the Government in introducing legislation providing for an alteration in the franchise for the election of members to the Auckland Electric-Power Board was again the subject of discussion in the House of Representatives to-day. The Minister of Justice, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, who is in charge of the' Auckland Electric-Power Board Amendment Bill,' moved the second reading pro forma in order that the measure might be referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. This drew an immediate protest from the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (Opposition —Kaipara) "The bill affects the franchise," he said. "It is the thin end of the wedge. Local bodjes are vitally affected by the question of principle involved.ami it would be only fair to send the bill to the Local Bills Committee." Mr. Mason: The Local Bills Committee has plenty of work and the Statutes Revision Committee has none. "That is not an answer at all," said Mr. Coates. "I knov.' a question of Government policy is involved, but it is an attempt to tamper with the franchise. The matter should be,considered by men experienced in the work of local bodies and not by a body of lawyers." The Prime Minister, Mr. Savage: If the bill does not go to the committee it Avill go through the House without any evidence being taken. That's all. Mr. - Mason said he had received representations from the Power Board that it should be allowed to place its views before the House. He had felt it was fair that such an opportunity should be provided, but it had been decided that the bill should be referred to the Statutes Revision Committee, which would hear evidence. After some further discussion the bill was read a second time pro forma anu referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. - WOOL FOR JAPAN GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE QUESTION ANNOYS MR. SAVAGE [by TELECII Al'U —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLI X G T<) X, Wednesday Government action to prevent the boycotting of wool shipments to Japan was.vsought by .Mr. H. S. S. Kyle (Opposition—Riccarton) in notice of a 'luestion to the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr. Kyle asked whether in view of 'he. embargo placed on the export of - ru |) iron by the watersiders and afterward endorsed by the Government by Order-in-Couneil," the Crime •Minister would state what action, if an .v, had taken by the Governnicut to ensure that shipments of wool Wight by Japanese buyers would not w stopped. ■ • Tie question brought a protest irom the I'riine Minister. "The lion. Member has definitely stated that this government endorsed certain actions of odier people." he said. "Is he entitled to affirm that the Government is doing that?" . Mr. .Speaker: The Clerk of the House will look over the question and 1 necessary it will lie looked over by '"e before being placed on the order . Paper. It is a stupid question in any case," added the Prime Minister.