SURPRISE MOVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26530, 4 August 1947, Page 4

SURPRISE MOVE

OPPOSITION BILL ABOLITION OF UPPER HOUSE THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT Political Correspondent WELLINGTON, Aug. 3. The biggest political bombshell produced by the Opposition for many years burst with a loud bang on Friday morning, when Mr Holland, out of a clear sky, gave notice to move for leave to introduce a Legislative Council Abolition Bill. Government members were obviously startled, as this device of putting forward a policy measure as a private member’s Bill, although frequently employed by the late Mr H. E, Holland when he was leader of the Labour Party, has never previously been adopted by the present Opposition. The first surprise of Government members quickly gave way to goodhumoured banter across the Chamber, but there was an expectant silence when Mr Hollahd again rose to his feet and said: “Mr Speaker, I give notice of my intention to move' for leave to introduce the Riccarton Bush Amendment Bill.” Before he had completed the sentence, there was a hush as Government members waited for whatever was coming next, but the subsequent anti-climax was enjoyed by everyone. There was general laughter, which did not subside when Mr W. T. Anderton announced his intention to introduce the Auckland Metropolitan Drainage Bill and someone suggested that the Legislative Council was going down the drain. . . Mr Holland’s motion will, in the normal course of events, com* before the House on Tuesday. There is keen speculation whether it will be permitted to proceed or whether thb ‘Government will''employ some procedural device to obstruct it. Should the Opposition succeed in forcing a debate, it may be ambarrassing for Government members, some of whom are known to be opposed to continuing the council in its present form. Filling in Time Following on the Dairy Bill, in which dairying representatives for the most part heia the stage, the 'Contributory Negligence Bill gave legal members their opportunity. No one could pretend that this was an exhilarating debate. It was interesting’ to note that the legal experts were by no means unanimous in their views on the. Bill. Interest was taken in the contribution of Mr A. M. Finlay, whose speech assumed the character of a lecture. on elementary legal principles, causing Mr F. W, Doidge to remark, ‘Elementary, my dear Watson.” The Food and Drugs Bill was another measure that did not produce a sparkling debate and gave the impression, of which members already appeared fully conscious, that the_ House was merely filling in time. Wednesday afternoon, however, was livened up by the appearance of 36 replies to questions which gave Opposition members, led by Mr W. A. Sheat, an opportunity to make a concentrated examination of the problem of cargo handling on the waterfront. The Finance Bill, with 44 clauses, and as usual covering an intriguing variety of subjects, gave a welcome diversity to the order paper and caused Mr Holland to ask whether it held out any -prospect of the reduction in taxation which he claimed was so long overdue. ■ Mr Nash, outlining the Bill, serenely ignored this delicate subject, but saia the Bill provided for arise of 10s. a week, “or something like that, for members of the Arbitration Court. When the Bill came up next day for its second reading, Mr Holland _made a vigorous protest at the lack of time allowed for studying it. He contended that several of the matters contained .in it were of such importance and intricacy as to warrant separate Legislation. Taxation Arguments Both on, the second reading, and later in the committee stages there was keen discussion of the methods assessment for death duties, Mr Doidge citing a case from his electorate in which he claimed undue hardship was imposed. Taxation of proprietary companies was ajso keenly debated by the taxation experts on both sides and consequently the, committee stages were still not disposed of when the House rose on Friday. In general, it was a dull week, but there was a flash of humour when Mr J J. Maher was talking of tne importance. of pure milk, and some one on the Government side, interjected: “It’s good mixed with whisky. “Yes,” replied. Mr Maher promptly, “ you provide the whisky and 111 pro* vide the milk.” , Another amusing passage. occurred when Mr Nash was explaining the clause in the Finance Bill which provides for an, annual return of shares, and balances held by Governmentowned corporations. , , a „ “ Would that include Onekaka? asked Mr K. J. Holyoake. Mr Nash: “We have not got any shares there.” . , “ Mr Holyoake: “We have not got any balances, either.” Friday afternoon was devoted to tributes to Mr J. A. McCullough M.L.C.. when interesting references, were made to his associations with tne early days of the Labour movement. According to reports current in the lobbies during the week, the condition of Mr A. S. Richards is causing his colleagues much concern: