THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 4042, 1 September 1931, Page 24

THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WELLINGTON. Aifeust 26. The Council met at 2.30 pan. COMMUNIST PROPAGANDA. - The Leader of the Council (Sir Thomas Sidey) informed Mr Carrington that the Government was keeping a close eye on the propaganda that was being spread by the Communist Party. The Council adjourned at 2.35 pan. WELLINGTON, August 28. The Council met at 2.30 pan. TEACHERS’- SUPERANNUATION. Mr W. 11. MTntyre asked if the Government would consider the retirement on superannuation of male teachers with over 40 years of service and female teachers with over 30 years. The Leader of the Council (Sir Thomas Sidey) replied that the adoption of the suggestion would throw too great a burden on the superannuation funds. PHOTOGRAPHS OF ACCUSED PERSONS. Replying to Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, Sir Thomas Sidey said the Government’s attention had been drawn to the question of the publication of photographs of accused persons in newspapers. He said that the publication of such photographs pending the trial or during the trial of the accused person was, in most cases, contempt of court. That fact had been emphasised by the Chief Justice and also by himself. Since then several newspapers bad offended, but on being approached by him they had undertaken not to offend again. He wanted to make it clear that such publication laid the newspapers open to prosecution. The Council adjourned at 2.40 p.m. WELLINGTON. August 29. The Council met at 10.30 this morning. THE LICENSING POLL. The Licensing Poll Postponement Bill was received from the House of Representatives. Moving the second reading the Reader Council (Sir Thomas Sidey) said the Bill had been modified in view of the possibility of a postponement of the general election. Mr W. Earnshaw said the Government was putting the cart before the horse. Before the poll had been postponed the Government should have decided whether there was to have-'been a postponement of the election. He thought the alliance had made a mistake in agreeing to a postponement, as he felt the trade would strengthen its position before the next poll was taken. Mr W. TI. MTntyre commended the Government on its action, and expressed the hope that there would be a postponement of the general election for two yea rs. Air L. Al. Isitt said if he had thought there was a possibility of prohibition being carried, he would have opposed s. the Bill, but as it was he welcomed the measure. The country would not have approved of the alliance insisting on a poll at a time like the present. The Bill was read a second time, and put through its remaining stages and passed. FINANCE BILL. The Finance Bill No. 3 was also received from the House and put through all its stages, and passed without discussion. The Council adjourned at 11.50 until Wednesday next. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WELLINGTON, August 25. The House met at 2.30 p.m. THE GISBORNE RAILWAY. Mr W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne) presented a petition signed by the Mayor of Gisborne and 8400 citizens praying for the resumption of work on the WaikokopuGisborne railway. GIFT COUPON SYSTEM. Petitions praying for the abolition of the gift coupon system and further petitions relating to the Trading Coupons Bill were referred to the Industries and Commerce Committee. ECONOMY COMMITTEE. The Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) then moved the adjournment till 7.30 to enable the special committee set up to examine the position of the country’s finances to have an opportunity of meeting during the afternoon. The motion was adopted and the House adjourned at 2.40. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. LICENSING POLL POSTPONEMENT. The Licensing Poll Postponement Bill was introduced by Governor-General’s Message. Mr J. Al'Combs (Lyttelton) called for a division at one of the preliminary stages, but after the bells had been rung he did not press the matter. The Bill was then read a first time. DEBATE ON THE BUDGET. The Budget debate was resumed by Mr W. Nash (Hutt), who submitted that it would benefit the Dominion generally if relief workers were given standard rates of pay. Even if they did not get a full ■week’s work they should at least he able 1 to obtain sufficient to provide sustenance. He believed if standard rates were paid it would be possible to employ men on developmental and productive work. He inquired whether it ■would, in cases of distress, be possible to protect tenants from evictioiy along the same lines as those on which mortgagors were protectod from foreclosure under the Mortgagors Relief Act.

Mr T. W. M'Donald (Wairarapa) advocated a further reduction in the interest rates, contending that there should be an internal conversion loan. Just as there were nominal as well as real wages, there were nominal a« well as real interest

rates, and if the nominal interest rate were, for instance, 7 per cent., it would really be more as a result of the increased purchasing power of money. Mr M'Donald strongly urged a reduction of wheat duties, declaring that their effect on the price of bread was harsh. They injured the very vitals of the community. He could not see why a reduction should be postponed till the end of the present season. Other primary producers were not given any similar price guarantee. He would favour the removal of the sliding scale of duties altogether, and would replace it with an equitable flat rate. Mr M'Donald warmly advocated the formation of a National Government in New Zealand to tide the country over the economic crisis. The present was no time for party sentiments. There could be no finer example than that which had within the last 24 hours been set at the seat of the British Commonwealth of Nations. He trusted the Dominion would follow Britain’s lead. Mr G. R. Sykes (Masterton) said it had been his intention to deal with sins of omission and commission of the present Government, but in view of the political armistice he would eliminate that phase of his speech. He urged the Government to continue the Unemployment Board’s 4a and 4b schemes for at ’east another month. Referring to the development of secondary industries, Mr Sykes said if it were possible for our cement works to be kept going day and night there would be scope for a reduction in the price, and concrete roads would replace the present bitumen highways. There were enormous cement deposits both in the North and South Islands, and in view of this circumstance it was regrettable that the Dominion was continually sending overseas for materials used for bitumen roads. Mr Sykes also advocated the development of the pulping industry in New Zealand. Mr J. A. Nash (Palmerston) said he hoped the Railways Board would shortly report on the South Island Main Trunk construction work. He considered it would be a white elephant, and if it was going to result in a loss to the country it should be stopped. Mr Nash expressed the opinion that work could be found for 1800 men in New Zealand if a duty were placed on imported butter and fruit boxes. Referring to the Budget’s taxation proposals, he said he hoped the Government would find a way of avoiding maintaining the increased taxes on tea and sugar. He thought the Government should be able to obtain a larger additional amount of revenue from the petrol tax. The debate was interrupted by the rising of the House at 10.30 p.m. WELLINGTON, August 26. The House met at 7.30 p.m. THE BUDGET DEBATE. The Budget debate was resumed bv Mr J. A. Nash (Palmerston), who said that hardship had been created by the abolition of school, teachers’ remote allowances, and he considered that these grants should be restored. Mr F. Waite (Clutha) said that New Zealand butter producers were anxious that trade negotiations with Canada should be reopened as soon as possible as at the present time they were being unduly penalised in consequence of the high duty on their produce. He regretted that the Prime Minister had not returned from the Imperial Conference via Canada. . New Zealand could not afford to wait for Canada to take the initiative in 'reopening discussions. Mr Waite stressed tlie necessity for getting unemployed people back into productive work. lie hoped that 4a and 4b schemes would not be allowed to lapse, for a month, because the men employed in these schemes would go back to the towns, and would become dependent on the No. 5 scheme at greater cost to the Unemployment Board.

Mr J. M’Combs (Lyttelton) referred to the wheat duties. He said the country could not afford to destroy the wheat industry, which, he added, was doing its level best to render real social service to the comjnunity. lie mentioned that the wheat growers were paying out of their own pockets for the cost of the Wheat Research Institute.

Mr 11. G. Dickie (Patea) said that Mr ,M. J. Savage (Auckland West) had asked why wool scouring was not carried out in New Zealand. There was a big obstacle in the way of carrying on this industry, because the costs were so high. Mi- Dickie expressed the hope that the Economic Committee would be able to bring about a reduction in the interest rates, which would afford the Dominion more relef than anything else. Mr J. Bitchener (Waitaki) said there were many Crown tenants in difficulties at present. They had had their rents raised considerably during the good times, .some of them by as much as 100 per cent. It would probably be said that a goodwill had been created, but in his opinion there was no goodwill in land to-day. He contended that if rents were raised in boom times they should be reduced in bad times. He insisted that the time was overripe for the revaluation of Crown lands.

Mr J. T. Hogan (Rangjfikei) referred to the difficulty in reducing the Government expenditure. He said that the permanent appropriations accounted for £17,000,000 out of a total of £24,750,000, and included pensions, family allowances, and interest and sinking fund payments, all of which had increased. Pensions could not be reduced while family allowances were going- to increase still further as a result of unemployment. The interest on sinking fund and the national debt absorbed £11,000,000. It was apparent that the charges under the heading of permanent appropriations could not be brought down. Mr Hogan welcomed" the announcement that a Development of Industries Board was to be set up. He said he’felt sure it would do good work in getting men into industry.

The Prime Minister then replied. He said it was not his intention to refer to the debate as since its commencement a very important committee had been set up, and he thought the; House would forgive him for not replying. He remarked that the criticisms during the debate had been very fair. The discussion had been carried along on a high level. THE ESTIMATES.

The House then went into Committee of Supply on the Estimates. The Prime Minister immediately moved to report progress. This was adopted and the House rose at 10.18 p.m.

WELLINGTON, August 27. The House met at 7.30 p.m. AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE. The Auckland Harbour Bridge Empowering Bill was reported from the Lands Committee with amendments. LOCAL BILLS. Ihe House proceeded to deal with local Bills. The Petone Borough Council Empowering Bill was put through all its stages and passed. The Christchurch Tramway District Amendment Bill (Mr J. M'Combs) ami the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Amendment Bill (Mr A. J. Stallworthy) were read a second time without debate, but-the steady progress was'Stemmed when a lengthy debate developed on the second reading of the Wellington City Milk Supply Amendment Bill (Mr R. M'Kean). Members complained that the the restrictions the Wellington City Council desired to impose on nearby farmers would be unduly severe and individual milk suppliers would virtually be in the position of being regarded guilty until they had proved their innocence. It was explained on the other side that the Bill would merely necessitate suppliers vending none other than the milk they had produced on their own farms as well as unlimited supplies they might buy from the City Council. After a number of members had suggested that the Bill should be referred to the Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee, Mr P. Fraser (Wellington Central), who was temporarily in..charge of the measure, agreed to ihig course. The Bill was read a second time and referred to the committee. The Cameron and Soldiers’ Memorial Park (Masterton) Trustees Empowering Bill (Mr G. R. Sykes), the Rotorua Borough Reclamation Empowering Bill (Mr C. H. Clinkard), and the South Wairarapa River Board Empowering Bill (Mr T. W. M'Donald), were read a second time without debate. The House then went into committee on the Bills. A certain amount of opposition was raised to the Christchurch Tramway District Amendment Bill. A division was taken on the short title, which was passed by 35 votes to 25. The Bill then went through committee unamended, and was read a third time and passed. A start was made with the committee stage of the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Amendment Bill, but the discussion was interrupted when progress was reported prior to the rising of the House at 10.30 p.m. WELLINGTON. August 28. The House met at 2.30 p.m. UNEMPLOYED SINGLE MEN. Replying to Mr D. G. Sullivan (Avon), who, on behalf of Messrs AL J. M’Combs (Lyttelton), W. J. Jordan (Manukau), W. E. Parry (Auckland Central), and himself, asked whether anything could be done to relieve the distress among unemployed single men, the Minister of Labour (Mr S. G. Smith) said that the Unemployment Board was seriously engaged in endeavouring to finalise schemes which it hoped would afford relief. He v>ould make a statement as soon as possible as to how far the board could go to meet the difficu’ty. FINANCE BILL.

The Finance Bill (No. 3) was introduced by Governor-General’s Message. The Prime Minister (Air G. W. Forbes) explained that the Bill extended the term of the provision in the earlier Finance Act whereby the Highways Fund was required to pay £316,000 as subsidies on local rates, this amount having previously been paid by the Consolidated Fund. The petrol tax had been increased from 4d to 6d to compensate the Highways Fund for this payment. The Bill now before the House extended the duration of this provision from August, 1931, to August, 1932. The measure also validated the action of private savings banks in falling into line with other lending institutions in reducing the interest rates. The Bill was read a first time. THE LICENSING POLL.

On the Prime Minister’s motion urgency was accorded the passage of the Licensing Poll Postponement Bill and the Finance Bill (No. 3). Moving the second reading of the former Bill Mr Forbes expressed appreciation of the attitude taken up by the New Zealand Alliance. He could understand the sacrifice its members were making in setting aside what had become a duty extending over a period of years, and be realised this was being done only because of the exceptional circumstances prevailing in New Zealand to-day. He pointed out that the’ postponement of the poll would result in a saving, not only in Government expenditure, but also in the expenditure by rival organisations. Air Forbes declared that the economic problems of the day were big enough and serious enough to occupy’ the whole of the country’s attention. He paid a tribute to the Restoration League of Invercargill, which, he understood, had made every preparation for the election, and had gone to considerable expense. However, after it had been explained that any departure from the arrangement would imperil the whole issue the league had withdrawn its opposition because it did not wish to create such a risk.

Mr J. M'Combs said it was apparently of no use trying to delay the passage of the measure. Mr Forbea bad already obtained urgency for it, and would be able to follow this up with the closure. Mr M'Combs eaid he remembered with what burning words the late Mr T. ETaylor used to describe the “ wrongs inflicted on democracy to serve the financial interests of this vicious monopoly,” Mr Taylor was not there to-day to raise bis voice against “ this great betrayal,” but his widow had sent a message that tbe people’s right to vote on the licensing question, which had been so dearly bought, should not be lightly set aside. That was not only the message of Mrs Taylor —it would be the message of the 8000 women belonging to the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which organisation had been primarily responsible for the enfranchisement of the women of New Zealand —the first women to be enfranchised in the British Empire. This Bill meant the partial disenfranchisement of the whole of the people of the Dominion, and might easily lead to further disenfranchisement. Tbe licensing law provided that if Parliament were dissolved within two years there was no licensing

poll. Therefore, the trade’s representatives had done their level best to destrov the Government in 1930, and thus shorten the life of this Parliament, but having tailed in this manner to secure a fiveyear period between the polls, the trade next turned its attention to extending the hie of this Parliament. Now there was a proposal to make it six years between pods, and he understood that when the House went into committee there would be a further amendment proposed which would secure that if Parliament did extend its life to five years there would be no licensing poll for eight years from tbe date of the last poll. Many wild statements had been made regarding the cost of a poll, Mr M'Combs added. He declared that the cost to the State would not exceed £12,000, every penny of which woiilj be spent in the Dominion. The printers would get some of this expenditure, but most of it would go to the returning officers and poll clerks, thus relieving some of the unemployed clerks, lhe big expenditure would be by the trade, and thia also would give employment. The prohibitionists would have little to spend, but he declared that no moral cause had ever been lost or won by money. He considered the present time was opportune for a poll because tne people should be given an opportunity to cut out the unnecessary expenditure on the liquor traffic. He moved that the second reading should be postponed so th. n t Government might refer the Bill to the Interparty Economic Committee for consideration, and report. Air E. J. Howard (Christchurch South) seconded the amendment Air Forbes said he could not accept the amendment. There was no need to refer the Bill to the Economic Committee because the whole House was fully conversant with all the facts. The amendment to which Air Al'Combs had referred had been approved by both sides. Mr M’Combs had made statements concerning the activities of the representatives of the trade in 1930. Air Forbes said he was quite unaware that anything of the kind had been going on. He had had no idea that he had been sitting on the top of a volcano, nor had he any notion that he might expect danger from that quarter.— (Laughter.) Air D. G. Sullivan (Avon) said if. as it had been stated, the licensing issue was of vast importance to every man. woman, and child in the Dominion, he would like to know by what right any two executives, such, as the New Zealand Alliance and the licensed trade, could come together and have their decision accepted in such a way as would deprive the right of all the people in the Dominion to exercise their judgment. He considered that no member of Parliament could consider himself absolved from any pledge he might have made simply because half a dozen people in an organisation had decided to change their minds. Air J. T. Hogan (Rangitikei) contended that the passage of the Bill at the present stage would be putting the cart before the horse because the Economic Committee might recommend the postponement of the general election. Air Howard protested against the decision of six or seven members of the executive of the New Zealand Alliance being considered sufficient to justify the postponement of the poll. Air W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne) on the other hand; contended that the executive’s decision absolved any member from his pledge. Air W. Nash (Hutt) submitted that tbe pledges had been made to the electors and not to the alliance. The Leader of the Labour Party (Air 11. E. Holland) said he was opposed, to the amendment because be did not think the Economic Committee had any right to deal with a question of that kind. Ho thought the present would be a suitable time to introduce the principle of an initiative petition whereby it would be necessary that the issue, having once been defeated, a petition signed by tbe requisite number of electors would have to be presented before the question was again submitted to'a vote. A division was then taken on Air Al'Combs’s amendment, which was defeated by 58 votes to 11. The division list was as follows: — For the Amendment. Burnett 'Martin Hogan Alason Howard Alunro Jordan Nash, W. Langstone Sullivan Al’Combs Against the Amendment. Ansell Lye Armstrong Lysnar Atmore M‘Dougall Bitchener Macmillan Black Alacpherson Bodkin Makitanara* Broadfoot Massey, J. N. Chapman Alunns Clinkard Alurdoch Coates Nash, J. A. Cobbe Ngata de la Perrelle O’Brien Dickie Parry Donald Polson Endean Ransom Field Samuel Forbes _Savage Fraser Semple Hamilton Smith Harris Stallworthy Hawke Stewart Healy Sykes Henare Taverner Holland, H. Te Tomo Holland, H. E. Veitch Jones Waite Jull Ward Kyle Wilkinson Linklater Young Pairs.—For,’Wright; against, M'Donald. The Bill was then read a second time. When the House went into committee on the Bill the amendment was circulated. Mr Forbes explained that it was intended to make clear the effect of the postponement, and it provided that a vote should be taken at the second general election from the present time.

Mr D. Jones (Mid-Canterbury) said the possibility of prolonging the life of the present Parliament had been mentioned. He asked whether the Prime Alinister definitely stated that an election would be held this year. Sir Apirana Ngata: It may be held. Air Jones said that the Alinister of Native Affairs seemed to express a doubt

that the. election would be held this year, lhe House should be told definitely what was the position. Air F. Langstone (Waimarino) : It depends on you.

- Air Jones: I could give my decision in a moment. He asked whether the amendment would not mean that the nexc licensing poll would take place three years after the next general election, whenever that might be?

Air Forbes said it was entirely for the House to decide whether the life of the present Parliament should be prolonged. Air Langstone asked whether Air Forbes would agree to inserting an amendment which would allow newspapers in nolicense areas to publish liquor advertisements.

The Alinister of Justice (Air J. G. Cobbe) paid he had been interviewed regarding the matter this week and had promised to bring the matter before Cabinet, but he had not had time to do so. He considered that the matter should be left alone until Cabinet had considered it.

The Leader of the Labour Party (Air H. E. Holland) said that the Prime Alinister should give an assurance that the general election would not be postponed. The postponement depended on the Reform Party. Reform members: And Labour.

Air Holland: Labour will not agree to a postponement of the general election under any circumstances. Personally he did not like to hear it suggested that the general election should be postponed. Air Jones said that tbe United members had indicated that it was their desire that the life of Parliament should be extended for two years. Air P. A. de la Perrelle: Why do you make those suggestions? Continuing, Air Jones said an extension of the life of Parliament had a definite bearing on the meaning of the Bill, and a clause should be drafted to avoid all uncertainty. Air Forbes repeated what he had said regarding a National Government and the extension of the life of Parliament. He had no power to form a National Government, but if the House decided that the present problems were sufficiently serious to justify brushing aside a general election it could do so. He believed that such a course was necessary, but he could not do anything without the support of the House. He did not -want to shirk the elections. His party had never been better off for candidates. Air Jones remarked that what the Prime Alinister had said showed that the licensing poll might be postponed for five years instead of three as the electors expected. Air Sullivan said the Leader of the Opposition could clear the matter up by stating definitely that his party would not agree to the postponement of the general election. Perhaps the member for Dunedin West would make a statement. It had been suggested that he expected to occupy a verv high position in the event of a compromise. Air Coates said that much depended on the outcome of the work of the committee. If members of the committee could agree on a plan for rehabilitation of the country, he expected that the House would help to carry that plan out no matter how they looked at it. It was impossible to foresee what would happen until the committee made its recommendations. He suggested that the Bill met the position as nearly as it was possible to meet it. In reply to Air J. A. Young (Hamilton), the Prime Alinister said that representatives of the alliance and the trade were agreed on the provisions of the Bill. After several other members had spoken the main clauses were passed together with the amendment suggested by Mr Forbes. Air Langstone then moved as an additional clause that a proviso should be added to section 146 of the principal Act allowing newspapers in proclaimed or unlicensed areas to publish liquor advertisements without being deemed to solicit ' on behalf of the trade. Air Forbes said the Bill was for a specific purpose, and he advised the member to let the question stand over until another time. However, Air Langstone called for a division, and his motion was defeated by 39 votes to 22, and the Bill was reported to the House, read a third time, and passed. » THE FINANCE BILL. Air Forbes moved the second reading of the Finance Bill (No. 3). He said he had submitted the proposal relating to the highways funds to a special committee to which questions of highways finance had been referred. The committee had passed a resolution approving of the proposal. Air Ansell said that while he did not wish to take up the time of the House at the present juncture, he wished to record his protest and to maintain the attitude which he had taken up throughThe Bill was read a second time, put through its remaining stages and passed without further discussion. The House rose at 5.25 p.m. till 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday.