DAYLIGHT SAVING

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9096, 15 July 1915, Page 9

DAYLIGHT SAVING

ME SIDEY’S "HARDY ANNUAL.” Mr T. K. Sidey (Dunedin South) moved the second reading of the Definition of Time Bill. This measure was identical with the Daylight Saving Hill which this member has introduced on several previous occasions. He pleaded with the House to give some attention to his bill, which, he said, was of the utmost importance to- practically everyone in the community, especially those who worked in factories. In the last Parliament a majority ot members favoured the bill; and if private members' bills got a chance to become law his proposals would have been adopted. The object of the bill was, shortly, to put the clock of the Dominion forward one hour from tho first Sunday in November to the first Sunday in February. Tho proposal should at least have a trial, os it was only then that the community would realise the value of daylight-saving. He hoped that the House would pass the second reading of the bill, as it had done so often before, and then if he had the luck to get it to the committee stage, that members would not talk but act. .(Laughter and applause.) Mr G. V. Pearce (Patea) protested against tho bill, on behalf of the farming community, on whom, he said, it would impose a grave injustice. The bill came down every year under a different name. This year it was called Definition _ of Time Bill. He suggested that next time it should he called the Waste of Time Bill. (Opposition dissent.) He thought is would be a very grave mistake to upset the institutions of the country in this way. There was enough interference with them already. Mr Field (Nelson) said that the pro-posed-change would be of very great benefit to the people of the country, by giving them an extra hour of daylight for recreation. The scheme of advancing the clock had been nut into practice in two bush townships in his electorate and had worked thoroughly well. "I have got up ma.nv a r night -at 3 o’clock in the morning.” said Mr Hine (Stratford). He objected to being asked to get up at 2 o’clock, and protested on behalf of school children and farmers

igainst the bill. He moved that the bill be read this time sis months. Sir Joseph Ward protested against the action of the member for Stratford. The House should co-operate with the mover of the bill and at least allow him to have it read, a second time. If the House did not wisli it to become law there would lie ample opportunity of throwing it out without relegating it to the future and putting the House under the necessity of considering tt again next session. Ho was in favour, of the bill. The daylight saving movement was gaining support all over the world. Personally bo had got up at daylight every day of his life. (Cries of wonder.) Well, he would put it to the House-—did not any hon. member who had ever got up at seven o’clock find it daylight? (Loud laughter.) He could not see what danger there could be to farmers or others in the bill. Dr. H. T. J. Thacker (Christchurch Bast) argued that the bill would allow the fine young girls who worked in our factories, the backbone of the country—(laughter)—to have the afternoon hours for the purpose of recreation. It seemed to him that the bill was being opposed only 'by the farmers —a lazy, inert mob. Farmers went to sleep at 10 a.m. and did not wake up until 4 p.m. (Laughter.) They were the drones cf civilisation. (Loud laughter.) He knew what ho was talking about because he waa brought up amongst farmers, but ho got so sick of the country that he moved to the city, and he was proud to represent city workers, the busy bees of industry. (Laughter.) hlr C. A. Wilkinson (Egmont) said that he must refute the charges of the previous speaker. He believed that the hon. member for Christchurch East han some intention of visiting country electorates. Or. Thacker: So he has.

Mr W ilkinson: Well, ho will get a warm welcome from some of the lazy, inert mob. (Laughter.) He went on x> assert that the farmer® were the hard sst workers in the Dominion. Dr. Thacker: Do you deny tj at they ’o to sleep in the middle of *oe day! /mud laughter.) Mr Wilkinson : The farmers have no time to go to sleep in the daytime. Mr J. A. Hanan (Invercargill) spoke strongly in favour of giving the bill a chance. There were several members on the other side of the House who were invariably opposed to anything in the way of advance. . They were merely boulders In the stream of political opinion. (Laughter.) Mr W. Nosworlby (Ashburton) admitted that the bill might be all very well for the city, but it would put great restrictions on the people of the country. Ho had not felt elevated to hear a Canterbury member, who had been at the same school as himself, refer to farmers as a “lazy, inert mob.” It was tntpolitical limit. (Laughter.) Members on the other "side of the House were afraid to vote against the bill because it was moved by one of their own colleagues. (dries of "No!'') " If_ no "one else would do so, he would divide the House on the bill, and he hoped it would be relegated to oblivion. .... Mr C. J. Talbot (Temuka) said that he for one would not lie afraid to vote against the bill, although he was on the Opposition side of the House. He did not think that any farmer could be in. favour of it.

Mr Wiltord protested against the attempt that had been made to place a serious construction upon some jocular words used by the member for Christchurch East. The tone of the debate had been jocular, and the member for Christchurch East ha_d followed ...the example of those who had preceded him. Now the Government’s supporters were seeking to take advantage of a young member. That effort was quite in accord with the methods pursued by several members on the Government side of the House, including the member for Ashburton, who was known as the "mortuary curate.” . In response to the Speaker, Mr Wolford withdrew the reference to toe "mortuary curate.” ~ Mr Wilford added that he would advise Dr Thacker in the future to pause before making a jest and state his intention. for the benefit of the member for Ashburton. .... Dr Thacker said he wished to unreservedly withdraw hie words which had been taken as a reflection on the farmers. Mr Wilford had accurately explained his attitude, which was not to be taken seriously. The amendment was negatived by el to 20 and the second reading was carried amidst Opposition cheers. The House at 10.50 p-m. adjourned until Friday. ■ :