PARLIAMENT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19300, 29 September 1932, Page 6

PARLIAMENT

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON. September 25. The Legislative Council met at 2.30. Bible in Schools. Sir James Allen gave notice of intention to introduce the Religious Instruction in Schools Enabling Bill. Address-in-Reply. In moving a formal Address-in-Reply motion, the Hon. J. Trevithick said the Ottawa Conference had been an object lesson to all nations. It had shown the energy and force of the Empire, and had given a lead to other nations, which would henceforth realise that Britain was not simply a market for their produce, and that Britain intended to give preference to the Dominions. It was the duty of New Zealand to ratify and honour the Ottawa agreement. Mr Trevithick contended that the Dominions should not only lower the tariff on British goods, but should increase the duties on goods from foreign countries. The policy of New Zealand should be Empire first, and if there was an increase of duties collected on foreign goods as a result of raising the tariff against them, the money should be expended on Empire purposes. He urged the exploitation of markets in the East. The Hon. G. T. Smith expressed admiration for the work accomplished by the Coalition Government during its first year of office. It had faced an extremely difficult position with courage and determination. The Speech from the Throne had referred to the necessity for international action for the stimulation of world trade, but in international action they should not lose sight of the Empire, which had often suffered through international agreements. He urged lhat secondary industries should be developed as far as possible, in order to absorb a large number of those seeking work. It had been said that secondary industries were dependent on primary industries, but in reality they were dependent on each other, as it was essential to preserve the balance of population. However, manufacturers would have to ensure that their goods were available at a reasonable price. He saw difficulties in the way of the establishment of a Central Reserve Bank, because of the Government’s relations with the Bank of New Zealand, and suggested that it might be possible to extend the powers of the Bank of New Zealand in order that it might function as a Central Bank as well as a trading bank. In view of the success which had attended on the formation of the Coalition, he thought the parties should consider the question of fusing, and add to the strength of the Government by the formation of one strong party. The Council rose at 4.15 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Coinage Bill. Mr C. A. Wilkinson (Egmont) gave notice of intention to introduce a Silver and Copper Coinage Bill. Eaut Coast Railway. Replying to Mr W. E. Barnard ( Napier), Mr Forbes said that from a general inspection it appeared that very little damage had been done to the East Coast railway by the recent earthquake. There had not yet been an opportunity, however, for a detailed inspection. Currency BilL The Currency Bill (Mr H. G. R. Mason), was introduced and read a first time. In explaining the measure, Mr Mason said it was similar to a measure introduced a year ago. It aimed at stabilisation of price values in New Zealand by regulating the amount of currency in circulation. Midnight Sittings. The Prime Minister’s motion extending the hours of sitting until midnight was carried. The Address-in-Reply debate was then resumed, Mr H. E. Holland

moving a no-confidence motion.