THE FINANCE BILL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20012, 1 December 1927, Page 8

THE FINANCE BILL

FIRST READING IN HOUSE VOTE FOR THE SINGAPORE BASE IN C.LUDHD. I Per Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, Nov. 30. When the committee of the House of Re.presentatives resumed at 7.30 o’clock to-night the Prime Minister moved to report progress on the Licensing Bill in order that the Finance Bill might be introduced and distributed. The Bill was introduced by GovernorGeneral’s Message. The Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Downie Stewart) explained that it was the usual Finance Bill of a “washing-up’’ character, and contained a large number of miscellaneous clauses which could be explained in committee. The Bill, however, contained borrowing authorities in the Public Works and Railways Departments, and authorisations for school buildings and monies necessary to carry on for the next two years. There was also provision for the payment of £1,000.000 for Singapore Base and for increasing the payment to the Samoan Treasury from £16,000 to £46,000. Some provision was also made for dealing with deteriorated lands and I the National Provident Fund, and scientific .research into the question of conversion of wheat into flour was also provided for. There were o*her clauses dealing with local authorities’ validating clauses and racing clubs. Mr R. McKeen (Wellington South) asked if there was any provision for erecting a central block of buildings for Government oilices in Wellington. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) said the plans of such buildings were prepared, and they would cost £250,000. No doubt it was the right thing to do, but the question was could the country afford it? Mr E. J. Howard (Christchurch South) raised the question of Government offices in Christchurch, spying the Lands Office there was not at all creditable to the Government. Sir Joseph Ward (Invercargi'l) sail the introduction of policy matters connected with deteriorated lands in the Finance Bill was unprecedented in the history of the country arid ought not to be there. The Minister of Lands (the Hon. A. D. .McLeod) said if the member did not like the clause he could move to strike it out. It would not be a very , serious matter if it did go out, a.s Sir Joseph Ward was turning a molehill into a mountain. The Bill was read a first time.