IN THE HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20540, 15 February 1935, Page 4

IN THE HOUSE.

Notes and Comment From Parliament. MORTGAGE bill debate. “ Star ” Parliamentary Reporter. WELLINGTON, February 14. The session’s most important debate, that on the second reading of the Mortgage Corporation of New Zealand Bill began in the House to-night, when Mr Coates spoke at considerable length, explaining the provisions of the measure. He had not concluded when the House adjourned at 10.30 p.m. liis remarks were subject to interruption from the Opposition and cross benches, but this served more to elucidate points already raised than to throw fresh light on the Government’s proposals. Earlier in the sitting the Companies (Bondholders Incorporation) Bill pass- 1 ed after a short debate. Subsidised Foreign Shipping. No finality has yet been reached on the Governmental action to be followed regarding the competition with British shipping by foreign subsidised services, according to a statement made in the House to-day by the Hon J. G. Cobbe. in reply to a question by Mr Jordan (Manukau). Mr Jordan asked the Minister to introduce legislation or take other steps to prohibit foreign subsidised shipping from carrying passengers and goods to and from New’ Zealand ports and ports of other British countries. He said New Zealand ships were being withdrawn from service owing to inability to compete against heavily subsidised ships which were trading between New Zealand and Australia, with consequent displacements from work of hundreds of New Zealanders. “ Representations have been made to the Government as to the position in which British shipping in Australia and New Zealand has been placed by the competition of foreign subsidised shipping,” replied the Minister. “ Conferences have taken place between the Governments concerned, and they are still proceeding. Until finality is reached it is not possible to indicate the extent of any action which may be taken.” . , Mr Langstone (Waimanno) : Kathleen Mavourneen. Mr Jordan: Are they making headway ? Mr M'Keen (-Wellington South): Send a delegation to Australia. Invitation Accepted, An invitation for four delegates from the New Zealand branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association to visit London in July and attend the conference of the Empire Parliamentary Association was accepted at the meeting of the New Zealand branch yesterday afternoon. In addition to the four members to be selected, an invitation was also extended to the secretary of the New Zealand branch, Mr C. M. Bothamley, Clerk of Parliaments. Members of the delegation are to be guests of the Empire Association, which will pay all expenses. The delegates to make the trip will be selected after a further meeting of the New Zealand Association to be held shortly. Leading Questions. What lawyers term leading questions were put to Mr Coates in the House to-day by members regarding the chairman of the commission to be appointed under the Companies (Bondholders Incorporation) Bill. In reply to one question Mr Coates said he had no one in mind for a “ cushy ” job and he had not thought of salary. Mr Schramm (looking towards Mr J. S. Barton, SM.. who was sitting on the floor of the House) : You have a good man not far away from you. Mr Coates: I am thankful for all suggestions. Mr Stallworthy: I suppose we can accept the Minister’s assurance that Mr Barton will not be chairman of the commission ? Mr Coates: I will not shut anybody out. The Greater Claim. The principle that school buildings and additions to them had a greater claim on existing finance? than did increased hostel accommodation was enunciated by the Hon S. G. Smith, Minister of Education, in the House. At many secondary schools, he said, hostel accommodation was available very much in excess of requirements, and for that reason the Government had hesitated to - make provision for further expenditure in that direction. Applications for actual classroom accommodation must be given preference. _____________