HARBOURS BILL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19867, 2 August 1934, Page 4

HARBOURS BILL

SECOND READING DEBATE. By Telegrapn Press Association WELLINGTON. August 1. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe moved the second reading of the Harbours Amendment Bill in the House to-night. Mr F. W. Schramm (Labour, Auckland), thought the Bill was not necessary. The regulations, which were temporary when adopted should have been repealed when the other war measures were repealed. The Government could declare a wharf a Government wharf at any time without war on a state of emergency prising. The Government was taking dictatorial powers. The Bill was directed purely and simply against wage workers. Mr Schramm added that the Bill did not provide for trial by jury of any person charged with offending against it. Mr H. T. Armstrong (Labour, Christchurch), said the Bill was a very serious and far-reaching piece of legislation. He criticised the provision placing a wharf under a controller, who could dictate the wages conditions to operate on that wharf. The controller could over-ride any award or agreement in force. The Harbours’ Association did not want the legislation and would protest against it. Who then was behind the Bill? Mr R. Semple (Labour, Wellington), said not one Harbour Board or Shipping Company had asked for the measure. He also criticised the powers given the controller, and also the power of search contained in the Bill. Mr Semple said the Bill was an indictment against a peace-loving community. Mr E. J. Howard (Labour, Christchurch), thought the Bill unfair to New Zealand. He did not think it would assist in times of trouble. It was a most drastic act and had been cunningly drawn up. The Bill had nothing to do with Harbour Boards, but might have something to do with police. Mr J. O'Brien (Labour, Westland), said it was known who the controller would be if trouble arose—it would be either the Commissioner of Police or else some military gentleman who hated the Labour Party. The debate was interrupted by the rising of the House. HER HUSBAND WAS PLEASED. Husband: That's the drink for a man to start the day’s work on. So warming and invigorating. What brand? Wife: Gregg’s Eagle Coffee Essence. It makes the best coffee, and. being full strength, it’s so very economical. Husband: Good girl. Bully for Greg*.“ every time