THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18049, 24 September 1920, Page 6

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

(Abridged from Press Association Telegram.) r _ WELLINGTON, September 23. 1 The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The debate on Dr Collins's motion urging the initiation of a scheirae for improving the welfare of the people, the encourageme.it of thrift, and tho prevention and early detection of disease was resumed by the Hon. J. B. GOW, who said that every effort should bo made to build up a strong and virile community. While sympathising .with Sir John Sincluir's remarks, ho feared the desired end would not be reached by preaching. The Hon. G. M. THOMSON congratulated the Government upon its child welfare scheme, and suggested an extension to 11 years. Although the expenditure would be large, it would be economically sound. The Hon. P. J. NERIIENY said it was all very well to talk of economy; it'must bo remembered that there were many people in such a state of poverty tjjat they could not afford even to buy enough food. The State, instead of putting drunkards, for instance, on an island and keeping them idle, should put them oil public works, and use their wages to maintain families. The Hon. G. J. GARLAND suggested a form of nationalisation of the medical service, and supported the mover's proposals for an extension of systematic examination. Sir WILLIAM -ERASER said tho Government was strongly imbued with a feeling that something in the direction suggested should be done. It could not be attempted immediately, but he hoped to see n. return of normal conditions and a chance to give effect to the scheme. The Government was in sympathy with Sir John Sin- • clair's opinions expressed yesterday. Ho said Mr Nerheny's proposal was impracticable, for drunkards must be under control for curative purposes . The Hon. Dr COLLINS replied briefly, and the motion was carried on the voices. The Municipal Corporations Bill was read a second time pro forma,\ and referred to the Local Government Committee. The Post and Telegraph Amendment Bill was committed. The Hon. M. COHEN referred to the difficulty experienced bv societies in the matter of withdrawals from the Post Office Savings Bank. * The Hon. C. H. IZARD suggested the issue of cheques against the amount of deposits. Sir FRANCIS BELL promised to consult the Postmaster-general, to see if societies cpuld be assisted in tho matter of withdrawals. Clause 4, which relates to tho exclusive authority of the Post Office to carry letters •for hire was deleted! with a view to substituting a new clause to be brought down later. Progress was reported, anjl permission asked to sit agailt. The committal of the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Amendment Bill was moved by the Hon. JOHN MACGREGOR, who explained that the purpose was to re-enact a clause struck out of the Bill of 1898, .under which it was provided that disobedience of an order for tho restitution of conjugal rights might be olassed a desertion for the purposes of divorce. A further clause • provided that the court may make a decree for the dissolution of a marriage where the parties were legally separated for not less than -Ehreo years. The Bill was committed, the short title was passed, and progress was reported, leave being asked to sit again. The .Council rose at 5.15 p.m.