VOTES DISCUSSED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20503, 22 August 1936, Page 21

VOTES DISCUSSED

DEFENCE MEASURES OPINIONS IN THE HOUSE By Telegraph—Press association WELLINGTON. August 21. The House met at 10.30 a.m. When consideration of the departmental estimates was resumed, speaking on the vote for the Unemployment Fund, Mr S. |G. Smith said the present Government had placed a number of men, who were earning £3 to £4 a week on sustenance at £2/1/-, so their position was not improved. Replying to the discussion on the naval vote, the Hon. F. Jones said 50 per cent, of the ratings in the New Zealand division were New Zealanders.

Coming to the defence vote, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe expressed the opinion that the vote for military aviation was too small.

The Hon. F. Jones said it was hoped to establish a training school for civil and military pilots. There was difficulty in obtaining the ’planes required for the various works. The Government would consider providing ’planes for dual purposes. They could carry passengers, and In the event of war could be converted for defence purposes. It was proposed to have purely military machines, and civil aviation should also be developed.

The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates suggested that the Government should take sufficient power to intimate to the aviation companies now operating the necessity for considering the Government’s viewpoint regarding the type of machines, because he believed the machines now being made would be quite suitable for bombing and reconnoitring. He also suggested that the communication between aerodromes, and between aerodromes and ’planes should be extended and perfected. He suggested, too, that a young airman should be sent abroad to become acquainted with the latest developments In aviation.

The Hon. F. Jones explained how the meteorological services were being extended, and said it was felt that the Government should control the radio equipment at aerodromes. The Government was well seized of the importance of providing the latest safety devices. TWo young men were sent Home last year to study the latest radio devices in operation. Mr W. J. Polson thought that greater encouragement should be given to young men to join the volunteers. A number of privileges could be accorded them, which would popularise volunteering. Looking Ahead Mr H. M?. Christie contended that Instead of providing for defence for one year, without heeding what was to come after, that they should provide for four or five years, so that the plan could be worked out. The plan must be flexible, but there were certain definite lines that could be followed. Several members expressed the view that the man who was to advise the Government should have a knowledge of all arms of the service, not the air arm only. It was urged that a man should be secured who had z. broad outlook, and would not urge the development of his own arm of the service, instead of co-ordinating all arms.

The Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes scught information regarding the extension of the air mail service to New Zealand. The Hon. F. Jones said no final decision had yet been reached. Sir James Parr had attended the conference of representatives of New Zealand, Britain and Australia, and he had expressed the viewpoint of the New Zealand Government that the service should be operated by the Governments concerned, but the Government was still awaiting his report. He understood that the Imperial Airways were constructing flying boats for the trans-Tasman service. The matter in dispute between Britain and Australia had not yet been settled, and if an agreement could be reached there should be no difficulty about starting the trans-Tasman service.

Mr C. H. Burnett urged greater encouragement for defence rifle clubs. Mr Jones said he would look into the matter. MAORI CLAIMS When the House resumed at 230 p.m. the question of Maori claims was dealt with on the Native Department vote. The subject was raised by Sir Apirana Ngata and Mr Savage said that he realised that the question was surrounded with difficulties. Although commissions had reported on the Waikato, Taranaki and South Island Native land claims, it was difficult lo reach finality unless the whole situation was investigated in the light of present conditions, and he favoured the setting up of a general commission to go into the question of all claims.

Mr Forbes admitted that it was difficult to reach finality, and thought that a commission might do good, although it was possible that after ail the claims were dealt with, others might crop up. Mr Savage, replying to further suggestions, thought that it was only commonsense that the Maoris should be employed in the distruction of ragwort on their properties. There was only one way to deal with noxious weeds and that was to settle them, and the Maoris, so far as was hum* nly possible, should be settled on their own lands. Everything the Government could do to make him a good settler would be done. They had to make the Maori not only the owner but the farmer of his land. Scientific Research. Speaking on the Department >1 Scientific and Industrial Research voce Mr Forbes suggested that the officers of the Department should be kept in touch with scientific developments in other lands. The Hon D. G. Sullivan said that it must be to the advantage of offi-'rs of the Department to keep in contact with developments overseas, but It was an expensive business sending men overseas. However, contact would be kept, as it was absolutely necessary o do so. He said that the Government aimed at extending scientific work, as that was necessary if New Zealand was to keep up with the work that was done in the Old Country and Australia. Mr W. J. Polson (Nat., Stratford)

hoped that the work of the Department would be pushed on as rapidly as possible. Mr W. A. Bodkin (Nat., Otago Central) urged that the whole of the go’..:! mining area of Central Otago should be geophysically surveyed to assist prospectors. Progress was reported and the House rose at 5.30. Votes passed to-day were: Unemployment Fund £10,445, naval defence £651,630. defence £612,900. Native Department £281.473. Native trustee account £15.200, scientific and industrial rrsparch E98.3(18