PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18076, 26 October 1920, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

(From Oun Own Correspondent.) "WELLINGTON, October 25.' PORT CHBJSTCIIURCI-I. Dr Thicker has had a notice of motion on the Order Paper for some timo in regard to the setting up of a Select Committee to report on the respective merits of Port Lyttelton or an inner harbour at Port Christchurch, to consider whether it is wise to spend £1,000,000 on the " Hiley layout," duplicating tho tunnel, and deepening and temporarily improving the Lyttelton harbour, or to at once construct a harbour and terminal at Heathcote. So far, he nas had no opportunity of moving his mot:on._ On the oth of the month he asked tho Prime Minister when he intended to allow tho motion to be put,'' and Mr Massoy replied that the various' parliamentary committees already had so much to do that he did not wish to add to the labour of members. To-night, when answers to questions were being debated, Dr Thacker proceeded to speak to the qricstion, but Mr Massey said the questions on that Order Pa.per had already been debated. This was subsequently found to be incorrect, and Dr Thacker proceeded to crow over the Prime Minister. He was, he said, very pleased at having scored off tho Prime Minister, 'ihis was the first time he had done it, but he hoped it woidd not be tho last. Dr Thacker's triumph, however, was shortlived, for no sooner had he proceeded to speak of his notice of motion than the Prime Minister again raised a point of order. He said Dr Thacker had put in the form of a question a notice of motion that was on that day's Order Paper. Mr Speaker ruled that the question should not have been allowed to go on .the Order Paper, and ho ruled Dr Thacker out of order. In attemptting to discuss it the worthy doctor reluctantly subsided. THE GODLEY SWORD. Dr Thacker to-night referred to the answer given in regard to the presentation sword given by New Zealand to General Godley. jJ.e said tho money for the sword had not been raised by public subscription, but had been " taken en masse" from the revenues of the four city councils. He added that he was on a voyage of discovery when he asked the question. The-four city councils had voted £25 each. This was a hole and corner business with the finances of the four cities. ' / Mr _L«ke (Wellington North) said the subscription was promoted by the Mayor of Wellington, and as far as that city was concerned it was a voluntary contribution. GENERAL ITEMS. Sir William Herrics states that tho Godley Head fog signal is at present in use, but could not be operated on one occasion recently, owing to tho resignation of the attendant and tho inability to get another in time. Arrangements are now being meda to appoint a successor, and it is hoped that it will be possible to use the fo<j signal when required in future. Replying to Mr Bitchener, Mr Massey said an arrangement for booking goods between stations on the North and South Islands railways was in operation for many years, but was not availed of, and was therefore discontinued.. The department spent a considerable sum in advertising and printing in connection with the arrangement, but the total business was insufficient 1 to cover the cost incurred in printing, etc. Mr Isitt asked >-he Government whether, if funds were contributed fer the establishment, in connection with the Canterbury University, of a lectureship on rural economics ai a cost of £500 a year, it would subsidise the gift fund £1 "for £1. The Ministor of Education replied: The hon. member's proposition is not very clear, seeing that ho does not indicate whether it is proposed tliat the lectureshin of rural economics should be attached to Canterbury College proper, or to the Lincoln Agricultural College, which is under the general control of Canterbury College. It seems to mo essential that the economio aspect of agriculture should bo definitely and constantly related to all the instruction and research that are carried on at Lincoln Agricultural College, and that if a speoial lectureship of rural economies were to be established it would be very undesirable to separate such a course from the general course of instruction, and the practical work which aro carried on at Lincoln. I shall be glad to hear something more definite from the hon. member regarding the question I have raised as to the relationship which tho proposed lectureship should boar to Liucoln Colic co.

Mr Sidsv recently asked whether, in order to prevent a further enlargement of tho already unreasonably large size of somo of the country electorates of the South Island, the Government will bring- down legislation to provide that the number of electorates in the South Island shall not be diminished below the number now existing, and that any further increase in the population of the North Island, at a greater ratio than that of the South Island, shall Iks met by an increase in the- total number of electorates. Mr Massey stated that the question will be considered when amendments to the Legislature Apt arr> under review. Replying- to Dr Thaekcr, the Prime Min-' ister stated that the matter of tho alleged exploitation in America by Armour and Co. with New Zealand meat was being carefully watched. Mr Edie this evening drew attention to the alleged success of an "oil diviner" in America. He suggested that the Government should encourage him to como to New Zealand. Mr Massey said he would bo very glad if tho gifted individual referred to would sefc to work and find oil in this country. (Laughter.) If it was as easy as was stated no ono would bo bettor pleased than himself. He was quite aware, even from his own experience, that water diviners had been exceedingly successful in New Zealand, and ho would like to sec some of the oil diviners try their skilL It would be a splendid thing for New Zealand if they could find oil. Mr Edie said ho had brought the matter under the notico of the Government, and nothing had been done. Mr Massey: I don't think tho diviners have done anything.—(Laughter.) If they can find oil the rest will be vorv easy. Mr Witty: He will not want "any help. Mr Malcolm referred to a diviner named Mosley, and asked if the Government had sent an oflicer of the Geological Department to soe what could be done with him Mr Massey said ho- would be glad to put tho department in communication with Mr Mo=]py. Mr Massey said hp was not a sceptic in regard to water aivining, but he did not know anything 3bout imding oil or gold or any of the non-ferrous metals.