“GENTLY IN THE COLLAR.”

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1926, Page 9

“GENTLY IN THE COLLAR.”

IS HOUSE BEING DRIVEN?

COMPLAINTS FROM MEMBERS.

BRIGHT PASSAGES IN PARLIAMENT

(By Wire—-Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, Last Night. The introduction of still more Government legislation into the House of Representatives to-night gave rise to allegations that the House is working too hard, too fast, and to questions as to when the session will end. The new Bills were the Customs Amendment Bill and the Stamp Duties Amendment Bill. "Is this Stamp Duties Bill necessary for the carrying on of the Stamp Department?” Mr. Fraser asked, "Bills are coming down in such profusion and numbers,” he said, “that every day it ie becoming more increasingly apparent that the House will be unable to get through its business if the Bills come down as quickly as they have lately. Not only will members be unable to consider them, but the Government will not have the opportunity of proceeding with such important matters as the Licensing Bill, for instance. Cannot some be held over till next session?” The Hon. Mr. Stewart: It is rather refreshing to hear that too many Bills are coming down, because in some sessions members complain that Bills are not ready. Mr. H. E. Holland: That was true as to the beginning of the present session. Mr. Coates; No.

Mr. Stewart: There has been a steady supply as the House has been ready to receive them.

Mr, Coates: The House has been just kept gently in the collar.

Mr. Stewart said the Stamp Duties Amendment Bill contained minor amendments to rectify anomalies, etc. They proposed no big policy question and it was felt that if the Bill could be put through during this session the opportunity should be taken. Sir Joseph Ward: What are the amendments about? STAMP DUTIES AMENDMENT. Mr. Stewart said that one of them restored the right the war fund trustees had previously of having their'cheques free from stamp duty. The provision had lapsed and it was proposed to restore it. There was provision for a refund of duty paid in error or in excess and there were machinery clauses. Mr. Forbes: When are you going on with the Customs Bill? Mr. Stewart; To-morrow. Mr. Fraser: And the Licensing Bill? There was no answer. Mr. Holland (to the Prime Minister): How much more business do you propose to place before the House this session? I think that last night you told us that to-day probably you would be able to make a statement about the Licensing Bill. You might- tell us something about the Gaming Bill as well, and when you expect to have the Supplementary Estimates down, and the Appropriation Bill. It would meet the convenience of members if we had an idea when the House is likely to rise.

Mr. Coates explained the legislation yet to be submitted as reported elsewhere.

Mr. Holland: What about the Bill dealing with reserves? When will that come t

The Hon. Mr. Anderson: Early next week.

Mr. Forbes: You are not taking the Stock Amendment Bill?

Mr. Holland: Is there anything definite about licensing and gaming? Those are burning questions. Mr. Coates: You are hearing about the gaming again. I understand that the lion, gentleman in charge of the Bill will ask permission that it be read pro forma and referred to one of the committees. Mr. Holland: What will be done then ? Mr. Forbes (jocularly); The committee will sit in the recess? Mr. Coates (laughingly): Arrangements have not been made. SEARCH FOR INFORMATION. Mr. Holland persisted in hie search for. information about the Licensing Bill. He said that the Prime Minister had said he would- make a statement to the House that day (Thursday). Mr. Coates: I said I hoped to make a statement in the course of a day or so. Mr. Holland: I thought you said to-day. Mr. Forbes: I thought so, too. Mr. Coates: 1 am not going to be positive. ■ Mr. Lysnart You said in a day or two. Mr. Coates: Oh well, never mind. I am not going to be positive. Mr. Forties:, When do you expect to -close? Mr. Coates; About next Wednesday or Thursday.’ The only thing likely to keep us is the drafting of Bills like the banking and the omnibus measures. Mr. Forbes asked if the draft of the banking legislation had been approved. Mr. Coates: They have not received sufficient consideration to allow them to be presented. It is quite possible they will come W-morrow evening. Mr. Sullivan: 1 think you had better take Parliament with you and finish the business on the journey. Mr., Coates: I am more than content to finish, particularly with the House in the able hands of my colleagues on my right and on my left and those behind me. I don’t see why my going away should be emphasised, but, I think it meets the- wishes of the House that Parliament should finish up at- an early date, and that the work should run out as soon as possible. Mr. Holland: It is running out alright. Mr. Coates: I don’t think so; just gently in the collar. Members: Very hard going, sir. Sir Joseph Ward: It is fairly swift. Mr. Coates: I was brought up to farming and perhaps I am more used to hard work than most of the hon. gentlemen. Mr. Parry; Are there any hurdles ahead ? Mr. Contest Oh, well; we will take them if there are. ,g nduFa.. f. crnfwyp cmfwyp mtwy