PARLIAMENT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18629, 26 July 1930, Page 7

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. MORNING SESSION. WELLINGTON. July 25. The House of Representatives met at 10.30 a.m. New Bills. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time: — Gaming Amendment Bill (Mr K. S. Williams). Wellington City Empowering Bill (Mr R. A. Wright). Dunedin City Corporation Empowering Amendment Bill (Hon. W. B. Taverner) . Dunedin District Drainage and Sew Terage Amendment Bill (Hon., W. B. Taverner). Answers to Questions. Written Ministerial replies to questions were circulated. The Prime Minister, replying to Mr W. E. Barnard (Napier), said it was understood that the question of the Singapore Base would be considered at the forthcoming Imperial Conference. The Hon. H. Atmore, in reply to Mr A. Hamilton (Wallace), stated that there would be no alteration in the electoral boundaries before the next general election. In his answer to a question submitted by Mr A. Harris (Waitemata), the Minister of Transport (Hon. W. B. Taverner) said in the event of any alterations in the motor vehicle taxation proposal to impose an annual levy upon all licensed drivers, to be earmarked as interest and sinking fund upon special loans to be raised for the purpose of providing safe appliances at every dangerous railway crossing in the Dominion, would be considered. It would be only fair to invite the opinion of people affected by the proposal. Replying to Mr W. J. Poison (Stratford), the Hon!* W. B. Taverner said it was not proposed to make any alteration at present in the matter of rates of pay for married and single men on relief works. He added that single men were only engaged after the needs of married men for employment had been satisfied, and then only for comparatively short periods. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe, replying to Mr G. C. Black (Motueka), said it was not proposed to investigate all cases of dismissal and resignation in the police force within the last twelve months under Section 9 of the Police Force Act, as it was considered that no good purpose could now be served by doing so. In reply to Mr J. P. Fletcher (Grey Lynn), the Hon W. B. Taverner stated that the proposal to send the Highways Board engineer to America had been approved by Cabinet, for the purpose I of representing the Dominion at the Sixth International Road Congress. The cost involved would be found out I of the Main Highways Board funds.

The Hon. W. B. Taverner, in answer to Mr W. H. Field (Otaki). stated that the question of bettering the system of granting motor drivers’ licenses had received the attention of the Government, and the proposals in hand for this purpose had been approved by a recent conference on traffic accidents. The proposals generally were on lines of a stricter test and sobriety and the personal good character of the applicant.

The Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle informed Mr Clyde Carr (Timaru) that the rejection of the film “All Quiet on the Western Front” by the censor had been upheld by the Appeal Board. The representations of a deputation of Members of Parliament regarding the film were under consideration.

The Hon. G. J. Cobbe, replying to Mr T. M. McDonald (Wairarapa), said it was not proposed to introduce the police box system into New Zealand at present. Reports from England as to its efficiency there were somewhat contradictory. It had recently been decided to give the system a trial in Sydney, and more definite information as to its suitability to local conditions would no doubt be available shortly, when the matter would receive further consideration.

The desirability of replacing longitudinal seats with chair seats in sec-ond-class railway carriages had already had the consideration of the Department, stated the Hon. W. A. Veitch, in reply to Mr F. Langstone (Waimarino). A programme for providing and fitting chair seats in second-class cars had been adopted. Express trains and long distance trains would be dealt with first.

Replying to Mr G. C. Munns, the Minister stated that provision for sec-ond-class sleeping carriages on the Main Trunk line could not be justified in view of the present financial position.

In reply to a question from Mr Munns and Mr Lye, regarding the Garratt engines, the Minister stated that it was possible that after certain adjustments had been made, that these engines would be capable of doing the work required of them. Meantime, it would be premature to say that they were giving satisfaction. The total cost of the thiee engines placed in commis-

sion was £51.173. It was not proposed to import further locomotives of this type. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe informed Mr , H. S. S. Kyle (Riccarton) that it was not the intention of the Police Department to depart from the normal number of promotions. The Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, replying to Mr J. O’Brien (Westland), said the '.chool dental service had already been Established in many country districts, and operations were being extended as rapidlv as circumstances permitted. It establish clinics in country centres.

w*m suo-bases in neighbouring rural .ocaiities. Arrangements were made in •uch cases with local committees for the transport of children to the nearest clinic.

The Prime Minister, replying to Mr G. H. Mason, said the State Advances funds could not be used for wholesale modernisation of old houses. It would, however, be possible for the Advances Department to consider an application from an owner and occupier of premises for a loan for the purpose of modernising a house, provided the age of the building and its condition were such as would justify granting a shortterm loan, and the security offered in all other respects was considered satisfactory. The Hon. E. A. Ransom, in reply to Mr W. L. Martin, said it had been decided that trees would not be supplied to the public from the State nurseries after the 1930 planting season. The decision was in accordance with the general policy of the Government, to engage as little as possible in business competition with private commercial interests. It was considered that ordinary business competition would be sufficient to prevent excessive prices being charged. If any exploitation of the public occurred the policy would be reviewed. The Hon. W. A. Veitch informed Mr J. O’Brien that the question of the discontinuance of publication of the Railway Magazine was at present receiving consideration of the Government. Mr O’Brien pointed out that the publication of this mazagine was costing a considerable sum of money.

Mr D. G. Sullivan asked what decision had been reached with reference to the payment of £250 reward offered for information that would lead to the conviction of persons responsible for incendiary fires in Christchurch last year. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe replied that the Police Department had nothing to do with the payment. The reward was offered by the Council of the Fire Underwriters’ Associations of New Zealand, and the State Fire Office, “for information supplied to the police.” The only information given to the police was that supplied by the offenders themselves, after they were arrested on another charge. In reply to another question, asked by Mr D. G. Sullivan, the Minister stated that no complaints or representations had been received by the Department from members of the Detective staff, that they were working excessively long hours. . “The position in regard to the Angora wool industry has not hitherto been such as to justify the Government encouraging its development,” stated the Hon. A. J. Murdoch, in reply to Mr W. E. Parry. Breeders in other countries had been unable to dispose of their wool, as a result of which large stocks had accumulated. Recently, however, a cable had been received from the High Commissioner indicating that a firm was now in the market for supplies, and this information had been passed on to those concerned. The position was being closely watched, but a decision as to future policy could not be reached until the position became stabilised. Mr R. A. Wright asked whether the State Advances Office had abandoned the policy of advancing to workers 95 per cent, of the value of land and buildings offered as security for loan. The Hon. G. W. Forbes replied that the policy had not been abandoned. In every case where a valuation had been made, and the security offered been considered satisfactory, the full advance allowed by the Act had been authorised. Replying to Mr H. M. Rushworth, the Prime Minister stated that his approval had been obtained for the first public issue of debentures by the Rural Intermediate Credits Board. A sum of £400,000, advanced from the Consolidated Fund, in terms of the Act, had been fully absorbed, and further funds were required in view of the steady expansion of the Board’s business. The issue of debentures to a total value of £IOO,OOO was accordingly now being made by the Board. The rates of interest payable were 4 h per cent., for a period of twelve months for denominations of £IOO, £250 and £SOO, and 5i per cent, for a period of five years.

Mr Forbes stated that the suggestion by Mr J. S. Fletcher that a rest home in Hauraki Gulf should immediately be erected and established as a memorial to the late Sir Joseph Ward would receive the consideration of the Government.

Replying to Mr P. Fraser, the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy said the object of the Christmas seal had been voluntarily to raise funds for purposes for which ordinary Government and Hospital Board funds were not available. It was anticipated that ample funds would be available for the purpose from future appeals. The present financial situation precluded granting a subsidy, as suggested. The Defence Force. In a lengthy reply to Mr T. W. McDonald, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe outlined the changes in the system of military training in New Zealand. He said that at the annual postings in June, 1921, Territorials who had served efficiently for three years, and had reached the age of 21 years, were posted to the reserve if they so desired. At the postings in the following year the age limit was further reduced to 21 years, with certain conditions as to length of service and efficiency. Since June, 1928. all Territorials except non-commissioned officers, who agreed to continue to serve, had been transferred to the Reserve in June of the year in which they reached the age of 21 years. A reduction was effected in the strength of the Territorial force in 1921-22 on account of curtailment of the Defence vote. Proposals for a revised scheme in connection with the Defence Force, to keep within the authorised expenditure consequent upon reorganisation after the war, were submitted to and agreed to by the Joint Committee of both Houses of the Legislature. The reduction of the training age to twenty-two was one of these proposals. The Government sanctioned this action. In 1922 the vote was again reduced, and it was found necessary to restrict the age to twenty-one years, to keep within the annual amount authorised. To enable this to be done, it was also found necessary to reduce the Territorial Force to a peace establishment by providing, inter alia, for the transfer to the Reserve after four years efficient service, two of which could have been in the Cadets. The House adjourned at 1 p.m., till 2.30. Afternoon Session. The House of Representatives resumed at 2.30 this afternoon. Rent Bill. The Hon. S. G. Smith moved the second reading of the Rent Restriction Bill. The Hon. J. G. Coates expressed the opinion that such legislation had the effect of restricting the operations of capital. *

Mr Smith stated that the Bill was a continuance of legislation which had originally been placed on the Statute Book by the Reform Party. Information supplied by the Department was to the effect that while the restriction was not so necessary as formerly, it was still required, especially in three centres, namely, Wellington, Christchurch and Napier. There was a slight amendment in the Bill, which would enable owners of old dwellings to get possession of the land for the purpose of erecting' up-to-date business premises.

The Bill was read a second time, and then considered in Committee. Mr H. H. S. Kyle (Riccarton) suggested that the measure unnecessary, because there was a large number of empty houses in Christchurch, for instance.

Messrs W. E. Parry, R. McKean, and H. T. Armstrong said the legislation was just as necessary as last year. While it was admitted there might be empty houses, they were not of the type or area that could be afforded by people protected by the Bill. The Hon. G. S. Smith, in reply, said the Bill did not in any way affect houses erected since 1920. The number of houses affected by the Act could not in any way have a serious affect on the movement of capital. The fact that houses for which workers could not afford to pay were vacant did not alter the position. Rev. C. Carr (Timaru) suggested that the value of tFHF Bill was not fullv appreciated, because a large number of people were unaware of its provisions. The Committee stage having been completed, the Bill was read a third time and passed. Bank of New Zealand.

In moving the second reading of the Bank of New Zealand Amendment Bill, Mr F. Langstone (Waimarino) said it was proposed that the Government’s four representatives on the Board of the Bank should be completely untrammelled by any business interests. It was unfortunate that it had not been originally stipulated that these representatives should not be shareholders in any other bank. The greatest problem in New Zealand today was money. If finance could be provided, plenty of work could also be provided. It w’as also proposed that full voting powers should be restored to these directors. The Bill further provided that the Government’s participation in the profits should be restored from one-seventh to one-third. This would increase the return to the Government by £58,500 annually, and would represent 5 h per cent, interest on a million sterling. It would constitute no injustice to anybody. Mr M. J. Savage (Auckland) emphasised the importance of the Government’s representatives not being interested in any other financial company. It w r as essential that advances from the bank should not be liable to influence from any other institution. Mr W. D. Stewart (Dunedin) stated that the position, as outlined by Mr Langstone, was not altogether accurate. By the Act of 1920, the Government had received more from the Bank of New Zealand, both in profits and in shares, than it was entitled to, but independent investigation had shown that this was not detrimental to the interests of the Dominion as a w’hole. Mr Stewart added that it would be difficult to find men possessing the necessary qualifications for the directorate of the bank, who were not in any way interested in any other financial institution. The Bill was read a second time. The Meat Trusts. Mr W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne) in moving the second reading of the Meat Export Control Amendment Bill, said it was designed to relax the control that trusts held over the produce of the Dominion. The fact that in 1928 nine millions had been lost on New Zealand meat pointed to a very serious position. The object of the Bill, in the first place, was to make the Board representative of farmers; secondly, it sought to eliminate the commercial representative on the Board, and to eliminate the Government representative, until the Government became financially involved in the operations of the Board. It was further intended to remove the present representatives on the Board, and provide for a fresh election on the basis of districts and number of producers. There was nothing to prevent present members standing for re-election. Other clauses in the Bill provided that overseas companies should not acquire a further interest in freezing works in the Dominion, and should sell existing works to local companies, failing which they should be carried on on a joint basis. Mr D. Jones (Mid Canterbury) said, in estimating that nine millions had been lost on New Zealand meat in 1928, Mr Lysnar had not made any allowance for freight .and handling of the produce. Mr Jones declared that New Zealand farmers had been getting more out of meat than anyone else. The freezing companies had had to carry a loss, because they had bought meat at a higher price than was justified by the time it had been marketed. He further contended that in.,view of the quantities of lamb that had been marketed this year the prices obtained by the farmer had been satisfactory. It was only the advertising and organisation of the Meat Board that had resulted in the position being as satisfactory as it was. If it had not been for the exceedingly careful manner in which arrivals on the market had been regulated, and the cautious control of the people who had purchased the meat, the New Zealand producers would have been in a worse position to-day. Mr Jones insisted that it w’as not true that trusts were operating against producers, who could always get an open market at Home.

The Hon. G. W. Forbes suggested that the matter was one that could be investigated by the Agricultural and Stock Committee. It would be preferable that the matter should be threshed out there than on the floor of the House. Evidence could be carefully investigated, and the finding of the Committee go a long v r ay towards giving the House an indication of the merits of the Bill.

Mr Lysnar: “That’s quite satisfactory to me.” Mr H. G. Dickie (Patea) said the big freezing companies were a menace to the industry in New Zealand. He expressed approval of most of the principles in the Bill.

Mr A. Hamilton (Wallace) was proceeding to defend the constitution of the Meat Board, when Mr Poison appealed to him not to “talk the Bill out.”

Mr Hamilton, continuing, said he believed Mr Lysnar was injuring the interests of producers by bringing the subject into politics. He was not expressing the opinion of a body of sensible farmers. Mr Lysnar, in reply, said it w r as not correct that he had not allowed for freight and handling of meat in computing the loss at nine millions. The Bill was read a second and referred to the Agricultural and Pastoral Industries and Stock Committee. Mr G. H. R. Mason (Auckland) moved the second reading of the Rating Amendment Bill, but the debate was interrupted by the adjournment. The House rose at 5.30 p.m., till 2.30 on Tuesday next.