WESLEY CLUB

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6421, 29 November 1923, Page 4

WESLEY CLUB

PARLIAMENTARY EVENING

The Parliamentary evening held at Wesley Club was well attended. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister (Mr F. Wilson) introduced the “Customs Tariff Amendment Bill,” and was supported by his Cabinet composed of the following ladies and gentlemen: Mrs Henderson (Health), Miss Wilson (Education), Miss Herbert (Finance), Mr Eliot Henderson (Railways), Mr Rayner (Customs and Internal Affairs), Mr E. Stewart (Post-master-General and Public Works). For the Opposition, Mr Fursdon acted as Leader, being well supported by Mr Slane. Much amusement was caused by the questions asked by the Opposition—each Minister getting his share. The Minister of Customs was asked if, when customs duties were removed, would Beecham’s Pills still be worth a guinea a box? while the Minister of Education was called upon to say whether she thought the school histories should exclude the life of Henry VIII. seeing it was a bad example to the children? In a very well thought out speech the Hon. Mr Wilson (Prime Minister) put forward some very telling arguments in favor of the removal of all customs duties, and was ably supported in his arguments by the Minister of Finance. The Minister of Customs also spoke in support of the Bill and said he was so sure it was the right thing for the country to do that he did not mind looking for a new job. For the Opposition, Mr Fursdon, in an interesting way moved as an amendment “That all customs duties on raw materials and necessities of life be abolished —but' doubled on luxuries.” Mr Slane, who had evidently studied the subject, was so convincing in' his arguments that, on the question being put to the House, the amendment was carried by a majority of two. The Rev. Mr Henderson, who as Speaker added much to the enjoyment of the evening by the apt manner in which he dealt with the unusual situations which arose, then called upon the Prime Minister to state his intentions. Upon Mr Wilson replying that His Excellency should have his resignation in the morning and meanwhile he was going home to bed, the House adjourned. So a very instructive but enjoyable evening brought to a close.