FEW CHANGES

Southland Times, Issue 22472, 7 November 1934, Page 8

FEW CHANGES

AGRICULTURE BILL DECISION OF COALITION CAUCUS ONLY MINOR AMENDMENTS (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, November 6. Contrary to all expectations, few alterations have been made in the Agriculture (Emergency Powers) Bill which was confirmed by the Coalition Caucus to-day. The only change of import according to information gained to-night is that it will be necessary for the proposed Executive Commission of Agriculture to confer with any of the export control boards if it intends to interfere in any way with its functions or the manner in which it carries out its duties. The measure was under discussion by members of the Coalition for nearly three hours and many prospects which had been received by individual members were argued, but Messrs Forbes and Coates were able to stem the tide of opposition and secure a unanimous vote on the Bill as it has been amended. The amendments, it is understoood, are mainly of a machinery nature and do not alter the principles of dictatorship as contained in the original proposals. It is understood telegrams have been received by the Government from a representative of Taranaki interests supporting the measure as it stands and it has been indicated by some Waikato and Southland dairying interests that they also support the passing of the Bill. The amendments will not be made public until Thursday when they will be dealt with by the House during the Committee stages of the Bill. The Prime Minister refused to-day to give any indication as to their nature and he urged members of the party to keep them secret until they came before the House.