FIRST EXCHANGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24826, 24 February 1944, Page 7

FIRST EXCHANGES

EARLY START IN HOUSE TRAIN TRAVEL ISSUES (S.R.) WELLINGTON. Wednesday The first cross-floor exchanges in the new Parliament occurred this afternoon when the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, took exception to the form in which a question was put by Mr. S. W. Smith (Opposition—Bay of Islands). Mr. Smith gave notice of intention to ask the Minister of Railways, the Hon. R. Semple, whether in view of the explicit promise reported to have been made to the women at a munitions factory by the Prime Minister that they would be able to travel to their homes at Easter and also that no probable cancellation of the Labour Party's Master conference had been announced, lie would make an early announcement that train travel restrictions would be lifted for all sections of the community before Faster. The Prime Minister interposed, suggesting that steps be taken to see that no statements were made in the form and under the excuse of asking questions that were inaccurate or were merely propaganda. Government Members: Hear, hear. "It is usual for a Minister to be approached in regard to any statement accredited to him," said Mr. Fraser. "The member • could have had the information right away if he had approached me on the matter. 1 did inform the girls that I would make representations on their behalf to the Minister of Railways to see if it ware possible that those eompulsorilv directed into industry and living away from their homes spread all over the country could have an opportunity of going home at Faster. "These representations were made, but the difficulties of meeting them are very great. 1 still think that those in industry removed from their homes should have first priority.

"In regard to conferences generally there are difficulties, but obviously all conferences must be treated alike. I qualify that, however, in case it may be necessary to call conferences of those people concerned in primary and secondary industries with a view to promoting still greater production and the reorganisation of those engaged in that production. In that event I shall look upon these conferences as entitled to priority as being absolutely essential. They may include farmers, industrial workers, employers and employees. Mr. F. W. Doidge (Opposition—Tauranga): But not necessarily Labour Party conferences. There was a brief hubbub of voices as members on both sides of the House carried on verbal exchanges. BARMAN FINED ASSAULT ON AMERICAN Alleging that he had been threatened with injuries, a barman in a city hotel, Harold Alder (Mr. Dickson), pleaded not guilty yesterday to n charge of assaulting an American gnilor. In a statement, made by accused, which was read in Court, he said that shortly after 6 p.m. last Friday two American sailors came to the door of the public bar of the hotel where lie was employed and demanded admittance. When this was refused they began to kick the door, and, accused alleged, threatened t-o cut him tip with a razor. The American sailor concerned gave evidence that, while he was being held by the officer in charge of the United Statra shore patrol which had been summoned. accused came ojit and struck him. Cross-examined, he said he was searched at patrol headquarters and no weapons of any type were discovered. He denied threatening accused with a razor, but said there had been mention of a "Georgia pistol.'VWhere he rami 1 from that was a straight-razor blade. The magistrate, Mr. J. H. Luxford. imposed a fine of £3.