STOCK CARRYING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23143, 15 September 1938, Page 15

STOCK CARRYING

NEW RESTRICTIONS CHECK ON SHEEP STEALING CONSIGNMENT NOTE SYSTEM [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Wednesday General approval of tho Stock Amendment Bill, which places restrictions on tho conveyance of stock with a view to checking sheep stealing, was expressed during the second reading debate on tho bill in the House of Representatives to-nigiifc. Tho Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Loo Martin, said tho bill had tho support of farmers' organisations and had been introduced largely at their request. It would afford greater protection against sheep stealing, which was fairly prevalent in $s T ew Zealand. The main proposal was the introduction of the consignment note system for the conveyance of sheep by motor-vehicles.

"I do not say tho scheme is foolproof," added the Minister, "but it provides a means of checking up more efficiently than is the case at present." Mr. W. J. Poison (Opposition— Stratford) said that fortunately there was not very much cattle stealing. The bill dealt more particularly with sheep, although it could apply to cattle as well. The consignment note system would prove a deterrent to dishonest drivers of motor-vehicles who at night time might take the opportunity to get away with someone's stock. A farmer ■who -wanted to convey stock in lorries for more than a certain distance would have to supply the driver with a consignment note signed in triplicate. The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, Mr. T. D. Burnett (Opposition—Temuka) and Mr. H. M. Christie (Government —Waipawa) also spoke in support of the bill, which was put through its remaining stages and passed.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE

PRIME MINISTER'S VIEWS

RESTRICTION UNDESIRABLE

[BT TELEGRAPH SPECIAL REPORTER] "WELLINGTON, Wednesday

Parliamentary privileges, with particular reference tp freedom of speech, were discussed in the House of Representatives to-day when the Prime Minister, Air. Savage, replied to a question on the point addressed to him by Mr. W. J. Poison (Opposition— Stratford). The question raised by Mr. Poison was whether the standing orders of the House should be amended or whether the law of libel should be altered so as to protect persons from defamatory or slanderous criticism when they had no opportunity of replying over the air. "Freedom of speech in the House is one of the oldest and most hard won of the liberties of members," said Mr. Savage, "and has always been recognised as a bulwark against the growth of abuses. Members would agree, 1

think, that it would bo undesirable to restrict the frco exercise of this privilege when occasion demanded. Our present rules of debate give the House power to intervene if desired to protect persons outside from unjustified attack. "It may be desirable to consider this matter when tho standing orders are

under review. There are several matters which are awaiting consideration, but it is unlikely that an opportunity tvill be found to attend to them this session." FINANCE FOR HOUSING GOVERNMENT'S PROCEDURE BRIEF EXPLANATION GIVEN ./ [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Wednesday The manner in which the Government is financing its housing scheme was the subject of a short explanation given in the House of Representatives to-day by the [Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, in reply to a question asked some days ago by Mr. A. C. A. Sexton (Independent—Franklin). The information sought by Mr. Sexton was whether the money for housing represented a creation of credit or whether it was obtained by borrowing. "Money required for the Housing Department has been obtained from the .Reserve Bank against Treasury bills," said Mr. ( Nash. "However, during certain periods when idle Government balances have been lying at the Resetve Bank some of the hills have been taken over and held as investments by Treasury accounts."

WOOLLEN MATERIALS PROTECTION ASSURED IMPORTED SYNTHETIC FABRIC [BY TELEGRAPH'—-SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Wednesday An undertaking that New Zealand woollen manufacturers would be protected from the importation of synthetic woollen fibres was given in the House of Representatives.to-day by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, tho Hon. D. G. Sullivan, in reply to a question from Dr. D. G. McMillan (Government —Dunedin West). Atten-

tion had been called by Dr. McMillan to a report that an Italian traveller was touring New Zealand selling artificial woollen material at Gs 6d a yard, which competed with the local article at 17s 6d a ; vard. "Inquiry is at present being made into tho position regarding the sale of artificial woollen material or staple

fibre fabric," said Mj\ Sullivan. "Suitable action will be taken if necessary to protect New Zealand, a large producer of raw wool and woollen piece goods, against unfair competition from this synthetic product."

THE TANEATUA EXPRESS ACCOMMODATION STANDARD [BY TKI.KGItAPH —SPECIAL nEPOUTEn] WELLINGTON, Wednesday The possibility of providing improved passenger accommodation on the Auck-Jand-Taneatua express was mentioned by the Minister of Railways, the Hon. ]). C. Sullivan, in replying in the House of Representatives to-day to a question asked by Mr. C. H. Burnett (Government—ITauranga). 1 Tauranga). Jn asking for improved passenger accommodation, Mr. Hurnett referred to the many tourist attractions of the district, which, he said-, merited more modern railway facilities. Mr. Sullivan said cars of an improved type were under construction for use on the more important express train services, and a number of those care would he allocated for use on the Auckland-Taneatua express.