ALL NIGHT SITTING.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18157, 23 October 1930, Page 7

ALL NIGHT SITTING.

FINANCE AND ESTIMATES. GOVERNMENT’B RAILWAY POLICY. STATEMENT BY MR RANSOM. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Urgency having been accorded the passing of the Finance Bill, No. 2 and supplementary estimates, the House of Representatives sat continuously through last night, and when it adjourned for breakfast at seven a.m. this morning, the hill was still under consideration in committee. Replying to the debate on the second reading the acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, said borrowing authority sought in the bill was exactly in accordance with the usual practice. It did not follow that the total amount authorised would be borrowed. Cabinet had yet to decide the actual amount of the individual items of expenditure. Mr Ransom stated that the Government regarded the question of railways as one of major Importance. It was one for which the House must accept responsibility individually and collectively, and one which had got far beyond party politics. He quite agreed it might he necessary for a special session of Parliament to be called to consider decisions relating to the operating of the railways and lines under construction. At the same time he thought it should be realised that it was not permissable for him as deputy leader to make any policy statement on this very important subject, but -on the other hai \’ it was his duty to see that a thorougn investigation was made so that he would he able as soon as the Prime Minister returned to place before him all available information concerning commissions, recommendations, and other matters. It might even be necessary -to take some drastic steps prior to the Prime Minister’s return. Main Trunk Lines.

Mr Ransom said he did not agree with the past policy of running railways and road transport side by side, ■and he fully realised that modern transport developments were largely responsible for the railway losses. _ He believed, however, that where it might be considered advisable ‘not to complete main trunk lines, the gaps should be served by up to date means of transport which would carry passengers and freight at ordinary railway rates and charges. _ Cabinet had not yet decided whether the committee on railway lines under construction should he reconstituted during the recess. Personally he felt that the committee should be given a further opportunity of going into the matter. , Referring to railway _ construction generally, Mr Ransom said other consideration than the earning of interest must be taken into consideration. The bill was read a second time at 5 a.m. and was then considered in committee. Shortly after 5 o’clock, the Leader of the Labour Party, Mr H. E. Holland, suggested the House should at that stage adjourn till 2.30 in the afternoon. ~ , Mr Ransom said he could not agree to this course. At six o’clock, Mr P. Waite (Reform —Clutha), moved to report progress. He said if -the adjournment were taken,' Ministers might he able to confer and subsequently. give the. House a more definite indication of the Government’s policy in regard to the various subjects. Mr Ransom said he would treat the motion as one of no confidence in the Government on the ground that it did not contain a request for leave to sit °The motion was rejected by 24 votes to 15, and the short title of bill was P At 6.15 a.m. there was still the greater portion of committee stage uncompleted when the House adjourned at 7 a.m. till 9 a.m.

STATE COAL MINES. PURCHASES FOR RAILWAYS. (Special-to Times.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The quantities of State coal being used by the railways had been considerably reduced, according to a statement by the Minister o'f Railways, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, in reply to an urgent question by the Leader of the Labour Party, Mr. H. E. Holland, in the House of Representatives to-day. Kir. Veitch added: The question of the department taking more from the State mines is at present being discussed by the Minister of Mines, Hon. A. J-. Murdoch, and myself.

TOBACCO INDUSTRY.

HIGH STANDARD ATTAINED. *> \ (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The report of the Tobacco Industry Committee presented in the House of Representatives to-day is an extremely lengthy document and contains a large number of recommendations, including suggested amendments to the Tobacco Act and alterations in the dutyon imported tobacco. The committee deals with the quality of New Zealand leaf and states. “Weighing, up expert and other evidence tendered before us we are definitely of opinion that New Zealand leaf has been grown of a standard equal to any grade other than the best Vix-ginian and that such results have been carried out in all other experiments extended over a period as have been carrid out in all other counti’ies.”