STATUTES AMENDED

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3827, 30 October 1936, Page 7

STATUTES AMENDED

fifty distinct subjects DEALT WITH. A BILL OF 81 CLAUSES. A substantial rewriting of the Statute Book is to De eriected by rne Statutes Amendment Bill, introduced m the House or Representatives on Wednesday by Governor - General s Message. It is a document or al Clauses dealing with over 50 distinct subjects. Anything like an orderly second reading was impossible yesterday, but the Attorney-General, tne non. H. G. R. Mason, gave a brief explanation ot some of the more important amendments.. Several Opposition members objected against the introduction of such a measure at the knd of tne session, but finally the second reading- was carried. The Prime Minister indicated that the committee stage would be taken this (Friday) morning and that, although some clauses would nave to be passed, others could be di opped if they proved contentious. Some ot the clauses are interesting, and the collection of 81 cover an exceedingly wide range. The Agricultural Workers Act is amended so that an inspector of factories will have authority to issue an under-rate worker’s permit to female workers in cases where the work performed does not reasonably entitle the! worker to the minimum wage prescribed by the Act. An amendment to the Fair- Rents Act relieves the Crown of the liability for stamp duty on agreements between landlord and tenant whicn are approved by an inspector of factories. It is provided that land required for the purposes of housing may be taken under the Public Works Act, although Native land is exempt, except with the: consent of the Native Minister. The administration of the Housing Survey Act is transferred to the Minister of Finance, and the period during which the Act is to operate is 'extended by a year. RAILWAY CONTRACTS. In addition to the legislative powers already conferred on the Minister of Railways, it is provided that the Minister may engage in contracts and supply materials and goods either for sale or hire. He may also provide labour and services. The time allowed for representation commissioners to report on the alteration of electoral boundaries following on the census returns is to be extended from three months to 12 months. The penalty of whipping for offences dealt with in the Children’s Courts is abolished. Another clause authorises the free interment in cemeteries and burial grounds of deceased returned soldiers. Alterations are made in the law regarding the registration of births and deaths. In particular it is provided that in any casna where a. medical practitioner is of the opinion that death has occurred under suspicious circumstances he must immediately report the case to the coroner. Failure to make the report is to be punishable by a fine not exceeding £5. An additional provision is made regarding the registration of illegitimate births. Illegitimate children are also to receive ithe benefits of the Family Protection, Act, 1908. PHARMACY MANAGERS. Limitations are imposed on the enrolment of managers under the Pharmacy Act, 1908. Applicatiqns may be granted by the Pharmacy Board only with the consent of thei Gover-nor-General by Order-in-Council. The board has to be satisfied that the manager is to replace one already enrolled on is to conduct a business on behalf of the legal representative of a deceased chemist. These provisions will continue in force until November Ist next year. Voting by bodies corporate in local elections and polls is to be abolished. Police, traffic officers and ambulance and fire brigade drivers are to be: exemplt in certain circumstances from the speed limit of 30 miles an hour laid down in the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act this year. Reductions in the annual allowances payable to mayors are to be restored, chairmen of town boards ara to be .entitled to an annual allowance not exceeding £5O individually, grarited from the funds of the board. Provisions are included for agricultural and pastoral societies to make and publish by-laws regulating admission to meetings. The Animal Protection and Game Act is .extended to provide for the issue of regulations prohibiting the sale or use of birdlime. Various technical amendments are made to the Bankruptcy Act. HIRE PURCHASE AGREEMENT. Provision is made for customary hire purchase agreements to have: an inventory. Authority is given for the issue of regulations covering the licensing of film, projectionists and for incidental matters. Provision is made for increasing retiring allowances out of the superannuation funds to certain persons compulsorily retired under the Finance Act, 1931, and increases will date from October 31st. Sheriffs’are to be called on to keep special jury books and in the qualifications for service on special juries a knowledge of business, mercantile or banking matters is to be required. The Justices of the Peace Act is to be amended so that persons committed for trial may plead guilty before trial, and a new procedure is to be adopted concerning charges of offences against a corporation. Power is given for the disqualification of licensing committees in spacial circumstances. The courts are authorised to declare money - lending transactions legal in certain cases. Under, the heading of municipal corporations, borough councils are given permission to instal, purchase or sell electric fittings and equipment. The definition of the term rateable property for the purposes of the Rating Act is modified to eKclude theological institutions, infirmaries orphanages and other similar institutions.