MORTGAGE PLAN.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20542, 18 February 1935, Page 9

MORTGAGE PLAN.

Bill Likely to Be Passed This Week. REHABILITATION SCHEME. “ Star ” Parliamentary Reporter. WELLINGTON, February 17. This week in Parliament should see the Mortgage Corporation of New Zealand Bill through all its stages in the House of Representatives, and a beginning made with the second reading of a measure designed to rehabilitate the finances of farmers. Such, at all events, is the plan to which the Government is working. As already indicated, the Minister of Finance may find the hurdle of shareholder capital in the Mortgage Cor* poration Bill a trifle higher than he at first anticipated, but that he will clear it at the new height is unquestioned. He is not likely to agree to modifications of the original proposals, because a majority of the party will be available to secure the passage of the Bill as it now stands. With the exception of Mr Poison, who clearly defined his attitude on Friday, Coalitionists who earlier were reported to be in doubt about some of the clauses have so far kept their own counsel in the lobbies. However, there will be ample opportunity this week for any who desire to do so to indicate to the House opposition to all or any of the Minister’s propositions. Farmers' Finance. Whether the party will prove as docile over the “ B ” Bill, as the Minister has dubbed the measure providing tor rehabilitation of farmers’ finances, will not be established until the precise terms of the legislation are disclosed to caucus. The hint given during the week that rates are ranked alongside interest as first charges on the farmer’s receipts has caused concern in some quarters, but comment is withheld pending elaboration of this point and examination of other terms to be outlined in the Bill. In the hands of the law draftsman at present is a Bill giving effect to the recommendations of the Native Affairs Commission, and its introduction may be expected shortly. It is intended to pass this measure during the session. The Bill providing for reconstitution of the Broadcasting Board, and an amendment of the Pub-/ lie Works Act, dealing -with lakes created by hydro-electric operations, are also to be passed. Meat Quota and Levy. The Prime Minister is reluctant to hazard a forecast as to the probable length of the session, stating that it always is difficult to gauge how long consideration of legislation will take, but it is now clear that however leisurely was the beginning of the session, the aim of the Government now is to expedite business so that decks will be cleared quickly for consideration of the British Government’s longterm meat quota and levy plans. As the possessor of the most intimate knowledge of the subject, Mr Coates will, doubtless, be looked to by his Ministerial colleagues for the lead on this perplexing problem. His immediate view, apparently, is that nothing can be gained by rushing the fences, and that so grave will ,be the outlook for the Dominion’s meat industry after June 30 that examination and analysis of the propositions should be calm and considered, and carried out in closest consultation with representatives of the industry vitally affected. A report has been current for some months that Mr Forbes will go to London in connection with the King’s iubilee celebrations. Inquiries confirm the earlier forecast of this possibility. According to the lobbies, Mr Coates also will visit England, but as indicated during last week, the most that can be said in the meantime is that at least one Minister is certain to i leave for London after the end of the • session.