PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1920, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. LOCA£ BODIES AND TAXES. By Telegraph.—Presa Association. Wellington, Last N'ght. The House of Representatives met at 7.30 pjn. Mr. W. A. Veitch (Wanganui) gave notice of his intention to introduce the Painters' Health Protection Bill. Mr. ,1. P. Luke (Wellington North) asked the Premier whether he was prepared to abandon the proposals in the Land and Income Tax Assessment Bill to tax debentures issued by local bodies, as the proposals of the Government were calculated to interfere with the finances of such bodies, it being scarcely possible to raise money at 5£ per cent, if income from those debentures be subject to the proposed taxation. Replying, Mr. Massey said he was scarcely prepared to give ' a final answer to the question on such short notice, but nothing unfair or unjust to local bodies would be done. He would answer the question later. THE PRICK OF MILK. Replying to Dr. A. K. Newman (Wellington East), Mr. Massey said that if the Butter Committee had time to do so, after they dealt with the business referred to them by the House, Jie would ask them to take into consideration the question of the price of milk sold in the Dominion. PREVENTION OF DUMPING. . Replying to Mr. Veitch, Mr. Massey 'said that as soon as the law draughtsman could be spared for the task he would be asked to prepare legislation for the prevention of dumpinij.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. VARIOUS TOPICS DEALT WITH. Ministers gave the following amongst other answers to questions put by members, and the House then proceeded to discuss them:— That it would be an improper action on the part of the Government to interfere in any way with industrial disputes of another country, as in the case of Broken Hill. There is nothing, however, to prevent any person from rendering assistance to the workers mentioned, so long as sucli assistance is given by him voluntarily, and not under coercion. That all wool at present held in New Zealand is the property of the Imperial Government, and the sale and disposal of same, is wholly in the hands of the Imperial authorities. The New Zealand Government will be pleased to assist wool-growers in marketing the 1920-21 clip wherever possible, and has already niade inquiries, and is taking steps toward that end. Thc.t ft general increase in pay will be granted to those temporary employees who have severed their connection with the Public Service since April 1. Such employees .should, however, make application to the heads of the departments concerned, as in'many cases their present whereabouts are unknown. That inquiries are already being made into the question of enabling the Arbitration Court to make the cost of living bonuses immediately operative throughout the whole or any part of the Dominion. Respecting the second part of the question it is not deemed expedient tj interfere with the discretion of the Court in such matters. That it is recognised that provision should be made for the inspection by Government officers of bridges, tramways, and skids used for sawmilling purpoaes. At present the State Forests Act does not confer the authority required. An amendment of the Tramways Act is under the consideration of the Government, making provisions for the inspection and control of such tramways and bridges. That a Bill to amend the existing Noxious Weeds Act is now in the hands of the law drafting officers, ,and this, though not specifically providing for the Betting up of local boards, should give a more 1 , effective measure of control of weeds than the Act as it now stands. That as soon as the organisation of technical schools in general has reached a stage which would warrant the step, it is intended to substitute for the capitation principle more direct and comprehensive methods of payment, which will place technical schools in a more assured financial position. That it is not considered necessary to introduce legislation to prevent or make difficult the sending of money from New Zealand to the proposed Australian States lott&ie§, as the present law is sufficient .to meet such a position. The matter will, however, he carefully watched by the Government. That it is hoped to introduce an amendment of the Animals Protection Act this session. That the Amokura has been, and will continue to be, used,purely as a civil - training ship for youths for the mercantile marine. The Chatham is neither replacing the Amokura nor has she any connection with the latter. The training of boys of both races for the New Zealand naval division will be commenced on the Philomel, and will be completed on the Chatham. That it is not considered advisable to arrange for an investigation of any further applications that may be made for New .Zealand war medals. The House rose at 9.41 p.m. until 2,30 p.m; ta-morrow.