RESISTANCE OF OPPOSITION

Southland Times, Issue 23026, 21 October 1936, Page 6

RESISTANCE OF OPPOSITION

The Industrial Bill URGENCY TAKEN FOR MEASURE CLOSURE FREQUENTLY APPLIED (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, October 20. Determined resistance on the part of the Opposition to the passage of the Industrial Efficiency Bill was evident when the measure came up for further consideration in committee in the House of Representatives to-day. Urgency was taken for the passing of the Bill, but an Opposition stonewall rapidly developed and the discussion was punctuated frequently by the ringing of the division bells. There was little formal business when the House resumed in the afternoon, but as soon as the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) asked for urgency for the passing of the Industrial Efficiency Bill the Opposition called for a division. This was carried by the Government by 41 votes to 15. Two Hours’ Discussion. For over two hours the discussion centred on the definition of industry laid down in the Bill, the Opposition seeking to narrow the scope of the legislation, so that it could be applied only to manufacturing industries, or, alternatively, so that farming industries might be exempted. The Prime Minister was forced to move the closure and four divisions were necessary before the clause embodying the definition of industry was passed. Further argument ensued on the constitution and membership of the proposed Bureau of Industry and on the next two clauses the Prime Minister again applied the closure. As the committee stages proceeded, the Opposition stonewall showed no sign of weakening. Amendments were introduced at frequent intervals, and on two further occasions the Prime Minister saw fit to apply the closure. In spite of this, only seven of the 27 clauses in the Bill were passed at midnight, and a late sitting appeared inevitable. Earlier in the evening progress was reported to enable the Post and Telegraph Amendment Bill to be introduced by Governor-General's Message. This measure provides for certain changes in the administration of the Post and Telegraph Department.

Additional clauses to the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal Bill were also introduced.