IN THE HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20539, 14 February 1935, Page 14

IN THE HOUSE.

Session Resumed in Quiet Manner. NO.RUSH LIKELY. “ Star ” Parliamentary Reporter. WELLINGTON, February 13. Parliament has resumed its session in the most leisurely fashion, and it would appear as though the rate of progress will be extremely slow. The House this afternoon sat for one hour only, and although to-morrow the sitting will be normal the attendance of members on Friday will be required for merely three hours before the adjournment until next Tuesday afternoon is taken. There is no intention on the part of the Prime Minister to compel the House to sit long hours in order to dispose of business. Ordinary hours of sitting will be observed, that is Tuesday to Friday with weekends remaining clear. The normal hour of adjournment on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday is midnight, and on Friday 5.30 p.m. While Friday’s rising time will not be interferred with there is reason to believe that if the present stifling weather conditions continue week night sittings may be curtailed.

The main business to-day was the introduction and first readings only of the Mortgage Corporation of New Zealand Bill and the Companies (Bondholders Incorporation) Bill, the latter of which will have its second reading to-morrow afternoon. There was a large flood of questions on a variety of subjects, including several on unemployment. Mr Lee obtained a first reading for a Bill seeking a speedier distribution of war funds. Chairman of Committees. The only nominee for the position, Mr J. A. Nash (Palmerston) this afternoon was appointed Chairman of Committees of the House. Mr Nash’s assumption of the position of deputj’--Speaker followed the elevation of Mr S. G. Smith to Ministerial rank. Interference With Radio. A question tabled by Mr Carr (Timaru) in the House to-day requests the Postmaster-General to take steps to enforce the regulations regarding interference with radio reception by electrical installations, other than by a special clause in the proposed amending Bill. Interference is increasing and the regulations are at present a dead letter, he said. Westland Questions. Two questions of West Coast interest were tabled in the House by Mr O’Brien to-day. He asked the Minister of Employment to take steps to have youths receiving mining subsidy from the Unemployment Board paid adequate maintenance while employed in prospecting. At present, he said, some youths received from 5s to 7s 6d per week, which was totally inadequate to maintain them. The Minister of Public Works was asked to authorise the expenditure of money voted by Parliament for roads and bridges to give access to settlers in Westland. Mr O’Brien said the money voted by Parliament, to be subsidised by Westland County, for access roads was now being withheld, although the council was prepared to find its share, and the progress of the Main South Road was held tip because money voted for the Fox River bridge had not been expended.