PARLIAMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24421, 5 October 1940, Page 13

PARLIAMENT

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TWO BILLS PASSED (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON Oct. 4. The need for protecting the citrus fruit industry in New Zealand was stressed when the Orchard and Gardens Diseases Bill wet put through all its stages in the Legislative Council, and passed to-day. The Leader of the Council, Mr D. Wilson, outlined the provisions of the measure, which were generally . apported. Mr B. C. Robbins said that the lemons, grapefruit, and oranges grown in New Zealand were equal to anything that could be imported, and should be given all possible protection from imported diseases. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes expressed regret that drastic measures were not taken years ago to pi - event the entrance of tree diseases. Mr J. Cotter said he approved the measure, but he thought the regulations governing the sale of citrus fruits a mistake. While householders wanted lemons and could not buy them because they were too dear, lemons were rotting on the trees in private gardens because they could not be sold. A monopoly should not be given to a group of growers who were not in a position to supply the market at a reasonable price. The Bill was passed. After a short adjournment the Council received the Electoral Amendment Bill from the House and passed it through all its stages. The Council adjourned until next Wednesday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (From Our Parliamentary Reporter" WELLINGTON, Oct. 4. Four hours were devoted by the House of Representatives to-day to a discussion of war finance. The only other business was the passing of the Electoral Amendment Bill. ' This Bill was put through all its stages in a few minutes, and the House adjourned at 4.25 p.m. until Tuesday afternoon. The debate on the second reading of the Excess Profits Tax Bill will begin on Tuesday evening.