SHARP CLASH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23471, 7 October 1939, Page 13

SHARP CLASH

LAST BILL ON LIST ANOTHER LONG SITTING HOUSE ADJOURNS TO-DAY [nv TKT.KG Ft APH SPF.CI AT. REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Friday Reserved until the end of a programme of major legislation the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Amendment Bill, which was the only measure before the House of Representatives to-day, proved one of-the most contentious legislative items of the session. The House rose a few minutes j before five o'clock this morning after passing the Marketing Amendment Bill and sat again at 2.30 o'clock this afternoon. Urgcncv was taken for the bill, which gives the Government complete control of the Reserve Bank. Although the measure was not introduced in the House and read a first time until early this morning members were ready and anxious to debate it and it is questionable whether any other bill this session has caused such a sharp divergence of opinion. In the earlier part of the debate Government and Opposition put up speaker for speaker and the second reading discussion was still in progress at a late hour. It was not anticipated that the bill would go .through the committee stages and be passed until early tomorrow morning. A welcome break after several days of intense debate occurred when the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, made a brief appearance in the House tonight. He was warmly welcomed. The House is likely to sit for some hours to-morrow to deal with formalities before the adjournment. There will probably be valedictory speeches as the House is not expected to .be called together again until about next February, unlcfes some urgent situation arises demanding its attention.