NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 173, 23 July 1931, Page 7

NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT.

PARTY OPINION STING ABSENT FROM DEBATE.

(Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, July 22.

The continuation of the Imperial Conference debate in the House to-day was devoid of particularly interesting features, as the sting of party opinion was absent. There was a. faint suggestion of this, however, in the attitude of Labour members, who found themselves differing from the majority of the House on the subject of bulk purchase of New Zealand’s products by Britain. Mr Coates traversed the more important questions, stressing in particular the necessity for the development of inter-Empire trade and advocating close personal contacts of Empire leaders to that end. The list of interring speakers had not been exhausted when adjournment time arrived, therefore the debate will be continued to-morrow. Private members* Bills are expected to have some chance at the same sitting. Stiffening Up the Volunteers.

The reason for the proposal to extend the age from twenty-five j-ears to thirty-five years up to which privates may remain in the defence forces before being posted to the reserve was given by the Hon J. G. Cobbe, Minister of Defence, in the House. lie said it was thought that a mixture of older with younger men would have the effect of stiffening up the forces.

The amending measure incorporating the extension was read a first time. State Bank Advocate.

In moving the first reading of his Bank of New Zealand Amendment Bill in the House to-day, Mr Langstone (Waimarino) suggested that a majority of members would support a measure making for a State bank in the Dominion, because it could be secured without cost to the country.

The Hon A. J. Stall worthy: Make it a political bank.

Mr Langstone: Make you a political bank! Banks are governed by Act of Parliament and so long as common sense is used I do not care whether it is used by bank managers or Parliament. • Mr Langstone’s measure was read a first time without discussion and will probably not receive further attention this session. Postponed Vice Regal Visit. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr P. G. Sullivan, M.P.), received a communication last week from the official secretary to the Governor-General outlining the vice-Regal programme during the visit to Christchurch from August 9*to August 13 inclusive. However, owing to the indisposition of his Excellency it will not now be possible for the visit to be made an official one. The secretary informs Mr Sullivan that his Excellency is getting on very well, and in general health has nothing to complain of, and it is just a matter of the necessary rest for a short period to ensure complete restoration. Linwood Dental Clinic. The Minister of Education has informed Mr Sullivan (Avon) in reply to his representations that he has approved of a grant towards the cost of erecting a type B dental clinic at Linwood. The Minister has also informed Mr Sullivan that he has approved of a grant to provide additional out office accommodation for girls at Linwood School.