BUSINESS OF PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1934, Page 7

BUSINESS OF PARLIAMENT

LOCAL BODY AMALGAMATION “WARNING” GIVEN THE MINISTER. REQUESTS FROM ASSOCIATION. ANTHRAX AND BRUSH IMPORTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Mr. W. H. Field (Co., Otako) gave notice in the House of Representatives to-day of his intention to introduce the Hutt County Rating Bill. Mr. H. S. S. Kyle (Co., Riccarton) asked the Minister of Health if in view of the' recent case of anthrax and the report that the disease was contracted from shaving brushes, and that three bther brushes were also affected, would the Government take immediate steps to withdraw from sale all brushes of similar origin. » The Hon. J. A. Young replied that Steps had already been taken to withdraw from sale and destroy under the supervision of the Health Department all brushes of the same origin. When the annual report of the Internal Affairs Department was being considered Mr. M. J. Savage (Leader of the Opposition) said he wondered how the Minister was getting on with the demand for donations from art unions. He would like to see something bigger put into operation to give assistance to people in need. Mr. Savage said he considered many local bodies could be abolished and better service be given. Many minor civic bodies could be amalgamated into one body, which could be elective, and for service on which members could be paid. He thought members should know what the Government had in mind regarding local government reform. Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Lab., Avon) said local bodies had to wait often for years to have passed legislation enabling them to function properly. That was a great Embarrassment. He considered there should be greater flexibility between the Minister and the Municipal Association, which carefully examined the needs of local bodies. He warned the Minister that if quicker effect was not given to Ideal bodies’ requests the municipal conference might become a thing of the past.

Mr. W. G. Polson (Co., Stratford) urged a reduction in the number of local bodies.

The Hawke’s Bay Rivers Amendment Billaqd the Bluff Harbour Board and Bluff Borough Council Empowering Amendment BiJi were read a second time, put through committee, read a third time and passed. The Ohai Railway Board Amendment Bill was put through committee, read a third time and passed.