FINANCIAL DEBATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22356, 1 September 1934, Page 16

FINANCIAL DEBATE

SIGNS OF WANING INTEREST PROGRESS OF THE SESSION (Fboax Ops Pabliajientaby Refobieb.) WELLINGTON, August 31. A great part of the interest in the financial debate seems to have disappeared with the first two or three principal speeches. The Budget has been delivered and the Government’s policy has been revealed. The Leader of tbe Opposition has replied and the Labour Party’s attitude has been defined. From now until tbe end of the debate, probably more than n week hence, Labour members will reiterate Mr Savage’s arguments and enlarge on those dearest to their hearts, while the speeches from the Right will endorse the financial policy of the,Government on essentials, perhaps criticising it on details. This afternoon’s debate was disappointing, particular)}’ when compared with that of Wednesday night when Mr Savage and the Minister of Lands (Mr Ransom) spoke so well, but possibly the long and wearisome discussion on iho Imprest Supply Bill last night had some effect on the House. At one stage vhis afternoon the lack of a quorum held v.p proceedings for a few moments while the Chairman of Committees (Mr 8. G. Smith) rang the bells to call members from their afternoon tea. Only three members spoke on the Budget to-day Mr Parry, Mr Holland and Mr Langstone. The first of these vigorously criticised the Government’s action in proposing to establish a reserve police force, the second described the Budget as the brightest and most optimistic for years, and the third spoke for over an hour on practically every point in the Government’s policy. An interesting discussion developed in the House this morning when a select committee brought down an unfavourable report on a petition from Mr C. M. Ollivier praying for an investigation into the affairs of the Woolston Tanneries with a view to a refund of £25,000 overpaid in income tax. Several members, including Mrs M'Combs, Mr Sullivan, Mr Armstrong and Mr Howard, pleaded with the Government to grant the company’s request, arguing that the Woolston Tanneries had been harshly dealt with during the war period when the company’s profits were restricted. No answer was forthcoming from any Minister, but the Speaker assured Mr Sullivan that the House was not bound by the report of the committee.