PARLIAMENT AT WORK

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1927, Page 9

PARLIAMENT AT WORK

NAPIER HARBOUR TROUBLE THE IMPORTATION OF SEEDS. RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY BILL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. When the House of Representatives met this afternoon, a number of members gave notice of their intention to move amendments to the Licensing Bill when in committee. The report of the Royal Commission on the harbour operations at Napier was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Speaking to the report, Mr. J. Mason (Napier) said the Commission had recommended that the breakwater be not completed for at least ten or fifteen years. With that recommendation he was not in complete agreement. He thought the period stated was too long. The Hawke’s Bay district was growing rapidly and he felt that the extension of the breakwater would be necessary before fifteen years. In that event he hoped the Marine Department would raise no objection. Otherwise he approved the report and he hoped the district would now combine in harmony to carry out the scheme suggested by the Commission. The Minister of Agriculture moved the second reading of the Seeds Importation Bill. He said the Bill proposed to regulate the importation of certain seeds, and in particular to require the treatment of imported seeds so as to distinguish them from New Zealand-grown seeds. The Act would not apply where the quantity imported does not exceed 281 b. in weight. For this purpose inspectors were to be appointed and they would have the right to enter premises and ships to make their inspections.

After April 1 next it would not be legal, except with the written consent of the Minister of Agriculture, to import seeds to the Dominion unless the contents of each packet had been treated in such a manner, to be prescribed by the regulation, as to render them distinguishable from seed of the same kind not so treated. Seed imported contrary to the provisions of the Act would be re-shipped from the Dominion or treated or disposed of as may be directed by the Minister. The sale or possession of such seeds would be an offence punishable by a fine up to £5O. Mr. W. S. Glenn congratulated the Minister on the Bill so far as it went, but he said the Minister had only half done bis job. The farmers should know something about the regulations to be framed under the Bill. He considered every sack of imported seed should be branded with the year in which it was harvested to prevent old seed being sent into the Dominion as new.

Messrs. J. McCombes, D. Jones, G. W. Forbes and the Hon. D. Buddo also spoke. The Minister said he believed the Bill would do good in bringing to the notice of the farmers that New Zealand-grbwn seed was better than imported seed, and should be sown wherever possible. To put the date of harvesting on the sacks of seed was all very well, but he was afraid ceed could be too easily changed from one sack to another. The second reading was agreed to and the House went into committee on the measure, which was reported without amendment, read a third time and passed. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. NUMEROUS BILLS DISCUSSED. Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. to-day. .1 On the motion of Sir Francis Bell, the question of the amendment of the law relating to rent restriction was referred to the Labour Bills Committee with the instruction io take evidence thereon and report to the Council. Sir Francis Bell gave notice that he intends to move the second reading of the Rent Restriction Continuance Bill on Thursday.

The Newmarket Borough Council Vesting and Empowering Bill, the Lower Hutt Borough Council Empowering Bill and the Napier Foreshore Bill were received from the House, Read a first time and referred to the Local Bills Committee. The Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, the Valuation of Land Amendment Bill, the Motor Spirits Taxation Bill, the Local Legislation Bill and the Howard Estate Amendment Bill were received from the House and read a first time, the Valuation of Land Amendment Bill being also read a second time pro forma and referred to the Lands Committee. The Local Legislation Bill was referred to the Local Bills Committee.

The Main Highways Amendment Bill was read a second time, and the Greytown Trust Lands Trustees Empowering Bill was put through the final stages and passed without amendment. The Motor Spirits Taxation Bill was also passed without amendment after a brief discussion concerning ..the allocation of moneys to the South Island.

After delivering a critical attack on the administration of the Native Trust Office, which was strongly replied to by Sir Francis Bell, a motion by the Hon. V. H. Reed to refer the Native Trustee’s report to the Native Affairs Committee for consideration was defeated on the voices.

The Council adjourned at 4.30 p.m. until to-morrow.