57-HOUR DEBATE

Taranaki Daily News, 20 February 1933, Page 7

57-HOUR DEBATE

PARLIAMENT ADJOURNS

SALES TAX BILL PROGRESS

RESENTMENT AT CLOSURE

PENALTY CLAUSE DISPUTED

“WIFE AGAINST HUSBAND”

By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night

The proximity of Sunday brought the long sitting of the House of Representatives to an end at 11.47 p.m. last night. After the 53rd clause of the Sales Tax Bill was passed progress was reported at 11.45 pun. and the adjournment was taken after over 57 hours of continuous sitting. The Speaker asked the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) if he wished to move a motion~regarding the adjournment. Mr. Forbes replied in the negative, whereupon the House rose until the normal time for resumption after the week-end, 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday. The whole of the. day was spent in considering clauses relating to offences and penalties and this section 'of the Bill had been passed in committee when progress was reported. Labour members submitted, many amendments designed to reduce the penalties but all were rejected.

There .was a’ very unusual incident early last evening when Labour members for the second time in the day showed resentment at the application of the closure. The clause providing for a fine of £5O for the offence of refusing to answer questions when required under. the legislation was being discussed. The opposition declared a wife might be penalised' for refusing to give evidence against her husband, and Mr. P. Fraser (Labour, Wellington Central) moved an amendment to obviate the possibility of such a situation arising. Mr. W. Nash, (Labour, Hutt) strongly supported the amendment, stating the clause in its operation might apply to anyone. "APPLY ONLY TO LICENSEES." The Minister of Finance (the Rt Hon. J. G. Coates) said it would apply only to licensees under the legislation. Mr. J. A. Lee (Labour, Grey Lynn): I will lay you odds that you are wrong. Mr. F. Langstone: I will lay you five to one. The Chairman of Committees (Mr. S. G. Smith): You should remember you are in Parliament. Mr. Coates -then- moved the- closure. Labour members warmly protested, Mr. Nash declaring: "That is most unfair, the Minister has not replied to my argument*" ~~ ' ’ v The chairman said he would accept the motion. ■ . Mr. D; W. Cole (Labour, Gisborne) exclaimed: “This is the gag.” ' Mr. Nash declared he had not had an opportunity of fully stating his case. Two members started to count, others joining in as the counting to nine proceeded and the word “Out!" being loudly chorussed. The incident was ignored and the division was taken. Mr. Fraser’s amendment was defeated and the clause was carried. Speaking at 4.30 pan. Mr. Coates gave an indication that the Government intended to hasten : ;the progress of- the BilL He said as the penal clause- of the Bill were all very similar in application and effect he would check the debate so far as the chairman would allow him by moving the closure after brief discussion on each clause. Replying to contentions that the clause relating to the penalty for evasion was capable of too drastic interpretation . because a magistrate was given no other option than io impose a heavy fine if he found defendant guilty, Mr. Coates said he would have provision made for recognition of a plea of inadvertence or ignorance. Mr. Coates agreed to withdraw in the meantime the clause which stated that securities by minors should have the same validity as if given by a person of full age.