Parliament

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 95, 27 August 1923, Page 5

Parliament

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Per Press Association. Wellington, August 25. The Legislative Council sat at 10.30 a.m. to-day. » Replying to the Hon. G. M. Thomson as to what progress had been made with experiments in pulverised coal for the railways, Sir Francis Bell said the matter Was still under consideration and the department was making inquiries in other countries. Sir 'Thos, Mackenzie asked if the Government would be able to afford having gold coins issued this year.— Sir Francis Bell replied that notes were legal tender till January 10, 1925, and the question of a further extension would be considered next year. It is impossible at present to revert to convertibility.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT.

Wellington, August 25.

The House of Representatives met at noon to-day, the principal business being the debate; on the Publio Works Statement, i;|hd the. Estimates.

Mr T. M. Wilford '(Leader of the Opposition) said the • Hon. J. G. Coates became popular as Minister for Public Works because ho had so much money to spend, bu£<the position would be different with the portfolio of railways, where he would have no money to give away. In both departments he would have to face the problem of motor transport. There must be a definite policy in regard to feeding the main lines. The alternative" to branch lines was motor traffic, but this meant an improvement in the roads, because tons of material could not bp carried over bad roads. He ridiculed, the estimate of the proposed five mile tunnel in connection with the Rimutaka deviation, and regretted that very little reliance could be placed on the Public Works Estimates generally. Ho advocated the completion of a connecting link between Gisborne and Auckland, whether by road or railway. Mr J. Edie (Clutha) questioned the wisdom of encouraging motor traffic. Settlers could not maintain their roads under,the destructive influences of motor traffic.

The Minister, in reply, said iho estimated cost of the lljnuitaka deviation £800,000) was based on the experience of the Otira tunnel. The llimutaka tunnel was shorter and would be constructed under much better conditions, so that he did not think the estimate would bo far out.

Tlie House then went into Committee of Supply to consider the Pubfto Works Estimates, amounting 'to £4,806,212.

Mr W. E. Parry (Aucklaud Central) moved a [reduction of the vote by £5 as a protest against the introduction of the contract system in, constructing railways in opposition to the co-operative system. The Minister said there wa s no intention to abandon the co-operative system. The calling of" tenders for ono work was being done merely as a tost and did not imply a change in the general policy.

On a division the amendment vras defeated by 35 votes to 22.

Tho voto was then, passed. Other votes amounting to £2,120,000 were also passed.