PARLIAMENT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19904, 14 September 1934, Page 14

PARLIAMENT

THE LOWER HOUSE FINANCIAL DEBATE By Telegraph Press Association WELLINGTON, September 13. The Financial Debate was continued in the House of Representatives this morning after the Telegraph Office closed. Mr Webb said every step taken by the State showed that it could establish big industries without the support of a big bank, and therefore he contended that the State should have had complete control of the Reserve Bank. He stressed the need for planning to get the country out of its difficulties. He said there was no need for the poverty which existed at present. He dealt with events in the early war years, and the developments leading up to his imprisonment for refusing to go to the war. He said New Zealand was the only Government in the Empire that applied conscription to members of Parliament. He lost his civil rights for ten years; he went out by the front door and returned by the front door, but he had no feelings of animosity towards the Government, at that time spoke of finding work and providing for returned men, but it was regrettable now to think that the Minister of Pensions should live in the past. He would like to see a scheme evolved that would get food into the homes of the people and find work for boys and girls. He thought all sides of the House should get together and inspire a message of hope for the people. Surely they could alter the present state of affairs. There was no reason why anybody should be in want in this young country where there was food in plenty. Mr H. M. Campbell (C„ Hawke’s Bay) said the Government had had to do some most unpleasant things that In normal times most members would not have cared to stand up to. Those things had saved the country from a huge disaster. He believed now that the country was sailing along smoothly, and that the next budget would show a proper surplus. Mr Campbell said he would like to have seen a greater reduction in the unemployment tax. He appealed to the Minister of Lands to consider remitting some rents that had piled up, against farmers, and give them some hope. Exchange' of Goods. Mr H. Atmore (Ind., Nelson) criticised the Government for not giving more consideration to old age pensioners. He said the recent increase in the price of wool was due to buying by Japan, who wished to put the army into woollen uniforms. It would be better, he submitted if some nations would wear more woollen clothes. The Government seemed to be fighting against the advent of the machine, and was trying to find manual work for boys and girls leaving school. Mr Atmore said the only sound basis for trade with any country was for goods, and if New Zealand could secure £heap goods from Japan in return for her produce, she should take them. Mr E. J. Howard (Lab., Christchurch South) said everything the Coalition Government had done since it took office had been against the workers, and in favour of the moneyed class.

Mr F. Lye (C., Waikato) said the Imposition of wage cuts was justified, and as soon as the country’s finances allowed it 5 per cent, of the cut was restored. Mr J. Connelly (Ind., Mid-Canter-bury) said that if the Government waited till adequate provision was made for the unemployed before salary restoration had been made, it would have been very unfair. The civil servants had borne a heavy burden, and had carried out their duties well. He suggested that stock and station agents should reduce interest rates by at least one per cent. Mr P. Fraser (Lab., Wellington Central) said if there had been no Labour Opposition the Government would not have done things that were included in the Budget. Conversion of Silver. Mr Fraser said the Government was now doing what Labour said could have been done all along, and the country would have been saved much suffering. He claimed that the Auditor-General was not up a tree regarding the silver conversion. He reported on the facts revealed during his audit, and was entitled to the fullest respect. Last year over certain happenings resentment was shown, and the Auditor-General was subjected to an indignity he should not have been subjected to. Unfortunately there was too much truth in his statements. The fact that this year the conversion of silver showed a loss demanded a reply. New Zealand should have done as well as South Africa. Mr Coates: We can’t do that. Mr Fraser: Well, the Minister should say why not. Mr Coates: I will give facts. Mr Fraser said it was a very serious matter to talk slightingly of the Auditor-General, although he should not be above criticism. Mr Fraser went on to criticise the small farms scheme. He said ten acres was too small an area. Mr Coates: I believe the 10-acre scheme has proved the best training

ground of the lot. Men have gone to bigger areas. Mr Fraser said he was only seeking information on the subject. His quarrel with wage restoration was twofold: In the first place, it was not big enough, and in the second place it should never have been necessary. He was glad the restoration had been made retrospective, but would have liked to see restoration to the higher salaries held over, and full restoration made in the old age pensions, also restorations made in other pensions. The debate was adjourned oil the motion of Mr Coates, and the House rose at 2.30 a.m.