A Special Act

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 90, 16 April 1932, Page 8

A Special Act

TO DEAL WITH POSITION I SIR J. PARR’S SUGGESTION ! I WELLINGTON, April 15. A suggestion that, in view of recent happenings in New Zealand and the general position of the country, it might be necessary for the Government to introduce special legislation, was made by the Leader of the Legislative Council (the Hon. Sir James Parr) • in the Legislative Council to-day. He ' also stated that if he were in authority , in the main cities he would prohibit processions in the main streets. The matter arose out of a suggestion made by the Right Hon. Sir Francis . Bell that the Council might amend the Unemployment Amendment Bill in the : direction of making peaceful picketing < on relief works illegal. He asked the Leader of the Council to agree to re- : port progress on the Bill in order that ; the point might be considered by the Government. He stated that efforts ; were being made to prevent youths engaged on relief works from going into the country districts. Sir James Parr said that this was i the first intimation he had had of Sir Francis Bell’s intention. He doubted whether the present Bill was the right place to insert such a provision, and < he expressed the opinion that it might be necessary for the Government to • introduce special legislation, in view of the disturbed position of the Dominion. He had to admit that he was not aware that peaceful picketing jvas going on on the relief works. Sir James said he understood that further amendments were to be made to the Bill by Governor-General’s Alessage, and in that event the matter could be considered by the Government. He undertook to bring the matter before the right quarter. The Hon. R. Moore said it was regrettable that the Council could not vote on the proposal. He was sure Sir Francis would receive almost unanimous support. Harsh Criticism The Hou. L. M. Isitt referred to the deplorable outburst in Auckland. So long as men were men there would be differences of opinion on every sub ject, but in these days one was weary of the harsh and unjust criticism that was levelled against the men who were endeavouring to save New Zealand. He objected to the constant irritation to which the leaders of the country were being subjected, and the way in which their integrity was being chai-1 lenged. As a matter of fact, they were at war in New Zealand, not with a foreign enemy, but with a world-wide depression. He appealed to the Press of the Dominion to play its part. An intense responsibility rested on the editors ot newspapers, and they should close their columns against spiteful, untrue, anu unjustifiable criticism that was hurled against the sincerity and patriotism ot the country’s leaders. The members of the Cabinet were actuated solely by an intense desire to serve the country—from the Prime Minister downwards—and the people of the Dominion should stand by them. Air. Isitt deplored the outbreak in Auckland and the tone of the comment of the Labour leaders. The Hon. J. A. Hanan expressed the hope that the council would not agree to the proposal made by Sir Francis Bell, as it would seriously delay the progress of the measure. The Hon. C. J. Carrington said he would not be would not be surprised if it were found that the Auckland riot was due to the actions of a lot of hoodlums. ‘Let Them March in Back Streets’’ Sir James Parr again expressed doubt whether the Bill was the right place to insert such a clause. The matter should be dealt with under the Police Offences Act. Referring to the Auckland disturbance. Sir -Tames said he believed it was unwise to allow processions in the main streets of the main cities. Demonstrations such as had occurred in Auckland did no good If he were in authority in Auckland or any other city ho would prohibit such processions. “Tf the unemployed want- to march.” ho said, “let them march in the back streets, where no one will see them.” (Applause).