IN THE HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20454, 6 November 1934, Page 13

IN THE HOUSE.

Notes and Comment From Parliament. A CRITICAL MOTION. (“Star” Parliamentary Reporter.) \\ ELLINGTON. November 5. \\ hen the House meets to-morrow Mr Savage will move a highly critical motion concerning the Government's responsibility in the conduit of the ad ministration of the Native Department, on which a Royal Commission .recently reported. Mr Savage gave notice in the House to-night that he would move “That this House expresses grave alarm at the irresponsible methods employed in the administration of the Native Department, as disclosed by the report of the Royal Commission, and is of opinion that Cabinet failed in its duty by not immediately accepting its collective responsibility to safeguard the public funds and the welfare of the Native race when advised of the position by responsible officers of the Crown.” This motion, while not expressly saying so, will be regarded by the Government as one of no confidence, and the action of any Government member who supports it will be regarded by the party leaders as one of virtual desertion. Not Considered Yet. The question of making some monetary recognition of the flights from England to Australia of MacGregor and Walker and Hewett and Kay, has not yet been considered by the Government. Discussing the question tonight the Prime Minister said that any decision must necessarily be delayed until the men arrived in New Zealand. Appointment Vetoed. A strong protest against the veto imposed on the appointment of Dr J. C. Beaglehole to the chair of History at Victoria University College, was voiced by the leader of the Opposition, Mr Savage, in the House of Representatives this evening when the Appropriation Bill was under consideration. Mr Savage suggested that the whole of the circumstances should be made the subject of inquiry by the Government. Appropriation Bill. The passage of the Appropriation Bill through the House to-night, was marked by strong pleas from the Opposition that the Government should put through the Cinematograph Film Bill this session, and that more liberal relief be given to the unemployed. The remaining clauses of the Finance Bill were passed.