HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11930, 25 October 1919, Page 4

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The House met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to questions Mr Massey said the larger amount provided for workers' homes under the Housing Bill could be applied for as soon as the Bill became law—probably in a week's time. Action had been taken with regard to securing a reduction in freight on hemp, but unfortunately so far without effect. He had made representations to a shipping company with a view to establishing better steamer service with our South Sea possessions. The difficulty in getting cargoes of hardwood timber to New Zealand from Australia was to some extent due to the fact that larger cargoes of coal had to be brought from Australia owing to the shortage of coal output here. He was in communication with the Imperial authorities and shipping companies with regard'' to finding shipping space for apples. Hon. Nosworthy said officers of the Agricultural Department would see that every fertiliser sold to farmers is up "to the quality represented.

Mr Massey said labour on Nauru Island WB9 indentured labour and would be under the control of the commission which was to be set up, representative of the three countriesconcerned in the island. The labour conditions would be most carefully guarded. He was unable to say what wages the men were paid, but even before the war they were well cared for.

Hon. Guthrie said experimental stations -would be established on pumice lands to show ' t the capabilities of that land.

Mr Massey said he had not yet been able to get a, reply from the Imperial Government as to whether they intended to further requisition New Zealand meat.

Replying to Mr E. Newman, Mr Massey said, with regard to surplus wool sent to America, it was- proposed to. sell this wool at Boston, and any profits made would come into the profit sharing arrangement between the New Zealand and British Governments. ,*

When the House resumed at 7.30 p.m., discussion on the Public Works Estimates was continued by Mr P. Fraser.

Mr G. Witty urged that the Otira, Tunnel be hurried on and the line electrified. Mr G. J. Anderson stressed the need for providing assured finance for local works.

Mr P. P. Hudson complained that the South Island was not treated fairly in the provision made for railway extension, as compared with, the North Island.

Mr Colvin pleadod for greater expedition in the prosecution of the West Coast railway works.

Mr G. W. Russell declared that the great effort and great sacrifice made by New Zealand in tho war made it imperative that the should extend the settlement of w&ste spaces and increase production' and population. Repatriation of soldiers need not deter the Government from embarking on a sound i emigration scheme. Work could be found for soldiers of France, Belgium and other allied countries in developing the country, even if free passagea had to be provided for them. Mr Hanan regretted that production showed bo increase on prew»r volume, and urged a more intensive settloment policy. Mr H. E. Holland pointed out that completion of the gap of eighteen miles in the Westport-Reei'ton railway was a necessary adjunct to the Ofcira line, tapping as it did such valuable mineral country. Hon. MacDonald said public works must be the most important department for some years to come. Labour must be attracted by better conditions and pay.

Mr Heaton Rhodes recognised that the first care of the Minister must be the backbiocks, and*thßrefore much needed expenditure on tourists' resorts must wait. Sir James Carroll said the whole question of publia works was linked up with money and labour. He advocated a large loan to provide for the one and a vigorous immigration policy to provide the other. Mr Wright said there was nothing like the "spoils to victors" about the Public Works Estimates, as the Minister seemed to be kinder to his enemies than his friends. Hefavoured a non-political board ia distribute Public Works monies.

Mr Vernon Reed urged a special policy tor roading blocks of Grown, lands.

After midnight the debate -was carried on by Messrs Dickie, Mander, Talbot, Hunter, and Smith,, Waimarino.

Wellington, Oct. 25. After the Telegraph Office closed Sir W. Eraser bristly replied to the debate. He defended his estimates against the aspersions of Sir Joseph Ward that his policy was lacking vision. The fact was that he had provided more rnono.v for public works than any Government would be able to spend in absence of labour. The necessary labour was not in the country and he would be one of tho first to advocate a policy of immigration, knowing that the right class of labour would be one of the greatest assets the country could have. He thanked members for the many kind things said of him. It was at least pleasant to "

know that if he left the House he would do bo with the respect of members The House then went into committee of S apply and the whole of the votes were passed in a lew minutes,

The Housr rose at 2.19 till 7.80 on Monday. v