HONOUR MAN ON THE LAND

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1929, Page 11

HONOUR MAN ON THE LAND

OBJECTION TO NAME ‘COCKIE’ DEBATE CONTINUES IN HOUSE. POLITICS OF PRIVATE MEMBERS. By Telegraph—Press Association Wellington, Last Night. . Continuing the debate on the Address-in-Reply motion in the House of Representatives to-day, Mr. H. R. Jenkins said shorter hours had been suggested as a remedy for unemployment. He contended if this step were taken New Zealand would be unable to compete with other countries in the world market. The remedy he favoured was land settlement. He considered the man on the land was entitled to greater honour than he had been given in the past. The name “Cockie” should be abolished and farmers’ claims should be considered in reference to knighthoods and ; similar honours. With reference to the tariff, Mr. Jenkins said he was in favour of free trade within the Empire. Although he was of opinion that the railways had no chance of competing successfully against concrete or well maintained roads, he would vote with the Government if any railways question came to a division. The South Island Main Trunk was the only line he would support if he supported any. It should be supported because of its national and military aspect. Mr. A. W. Hall said it was not fair that people who lived in suburban districts where there were empty houses should be prevented from getting advances for homes. He considered the suggestion that there should be free trade within the Empire was not practicable at present. Referring to the competition between motors and the railways, he said the railways should be supported as far as possible, because, of their work in aiding development. They carried many heavy agricultural ; load's that could not be transported economically by motors. TRAFFIC FEES RUMOUR.

There was a rumour, said Mr. Hall, that the Government intended reducing heavy traffic fees. If this were so there would be a good deal of opposition raised by local bodies and others, and he hoped the step would not be taken. After criticising what he considered j anomalies in local bodies’ legislation, > Mr. Hall referred to the United Party’s ; projected legislation. While referring i to its intention to avoid State interI ference in business, he waa interrupted : frequently until the Speaker rose and j requested members to observe the rules iof debate. * I Mr. Hall said that the Government, j by stopping the Taupo railway work, had dealt a serious blow to land settlement. The cost of the transport of fertilisers oy railway would have been considerably cheaper than by motor. He recommended spending less money on relief work in the cities and more money on such works as were devoted to the opening up of land. Mr. F. Lye said each of the three parties in the House had a definite responsibility in relation to the legislation of the session. He considered want of confidence in the late administration had been largely responsible for the present stagnation in industry, and ’n his opinion this state of feeling had been initiated with the failure of the Dairy Control Board, which, Instead of benefiting trade, had antagonised its best friends in England. Other causes of stagnation in industry were failure to reduce the bank rate and excessive stamp duty and exchange charges on cheques. The overhead charges of business were too heavy. Mr. Lye referred te trade unionism. He wished to make it clear that he favoured a minimum wage and the arbitration system, but he considered there should be more provision for payment by results. He urged that the State Advances Department should undertake to assist in financing settlers who were endeavouring to develop pumice land, and as a further step in land development he suggested the Government should provide legislation to assist men wishing to develop unused Crown and Native lands. He had little confidence in the Lands Department as far as the departmental heads were concerned. The whole system of land settlement should not be held up because of mistakes in the past. MORE TRADE COMMISSIONERS. Mr. Lye recommended the desirabiL ity of the Government appointing two trade commissioners for Canada and two for the United States. The tendency in the past had been to leave the development of the markets to private enterprise, but that was not sufficient. There was plenty of money in America and the State should take, steps to stimulate the demand for New Zealand goods and to increase tourist traffic. On the subject of taxation, Mr. Lye said he was not in favour of the small farmer paying income tax as well as land tax, but any farmer earning above £750 per annum should be thankful that he was in a position to pay both. There was need for revision in the direction of taxation of “large squatters.” Mr. A. Hamilton said the country was not so much concerned with the raising of a £70,000,000 loan as it was with the lending of that money at per cent. There was plenty of money in New Zealand. It was not a case of getting money, but of getting it at 4:} per cent. He suggested that before the farmer should be taxed further he should be restored to economic equality with other sections of the community. He would then be in favour of charging the farmer with both land and income tax.

Mr. Hamilton provoked laughter from the United benches and support from Reformers when he claimed that had Mr. Downie Stewart continued as Minister of Finance there would have been no deficit at the end of the financial year. He said the change of Government had cost the country £2,000,000. However, now that the United Party occupied tho Treasury benches Reform would give it support as outlined by the Leader of the Opposition. Voices: Right or wrong? Mr. Hamilton: No, only when they are right. My advice is, do not do .anything if .it is only because of an election promise.