DOMINION PARLIAMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18802, 25 November 1932, Page 7

DOMINION PARLIAMENT

MORTGAGE RELIEF BILL. - fREBERVINQ THE BALANCE. I .CASES OF GREAT HARDSHIP. WELLINGTON, Thursday. In the House of Representatives today, the need for preserving the balance between both parties when making adjustments between mortgagors and mortgagees was emphasised by the Minister of Justice, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, during the second reading debate on the Mortgagors and Tenants’ Further Relief Bill. It had been impressed upon adjustment commissions that mortgagees had rights as well as mortgagors. The Minister said he thought it would be generally agreed that when a mortgagor had a reasonable chance of surmounting his difficulties, he s'h-ould be given every encouragement to do so. The farmer was the main source of national income and it was paramount that there should not be any diminution at present. There was nothing in the bill to inflict hardship upon anyone. Mr W. E. Barnard (Labour — Napier) recalled two amendments to the original mortgagors’ relief legislation had been passed in April of *last year. Now they had a third amendment. With each successive amendment the position became more involved. He could not agree with the Minister when he said the bill inflicted no hardship on anyone.

Mr Barnard suggested that if any pressure were exerted to alter the law in respect to the personal covenant, the Minister should refer the matter t-o the Statutes Revision Committee, because perhaps it was only lawyers who appreciated the difficulties involved.

Mr H. G. Dickie (Government— Patea) thought the commission should have power to demand all documents.

The Hon. A. O. McLeod (Government —Wairarapa) felt that all of the legislation was only a palliative to deal with a very serious problem. Tho legislation fell far short of requirements.

“The bill is designed to meet cases of very great hardship,” said Mr Cobbe, in reply. Ref&rring to the statement of Mr McLeod that the legislation fell short of the country’s needs, the Minister said that if they went too far it would be an injustice to the mortgagee. They had to endeavour to steer a middle course. When the chairmen of the Adjustment Commissions had meet in conference, it had been impressed upon them that mortgagees had certain rights as well .as mortgagors, and that every effort was to be made to hold the balance between both parties. He believed the bill would be very helpful and appreciated throughout the country. The bill was read a second time.

QUALITY OF CHEESE. COMPLAINTS FROM ENGLAND. A QUESTION IN PARLIAMENT. MATTER UNDER INVESTIGATION, (Times Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Complaints received from Great Britain in respect to the quality of New Zealand cheese were referred to by' Mr C. A. Wilkinson (Independent— Egmont) in a question he asked the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. C. E. Macmillan, in the House of Representatives this afternoon. Mr Wilkinson said there had been specific complaints of disclouration of coloured cheese as well as the waxing process. It was alleged that these were responsible for a deterioration of quality, and if that were so he wanted to know if steps could be taken to set up an investigating committee of the most able experts obtainable with the object of providing a remedy. “I am aware of the complaints which have been received from Great Britain regarding discolouration in cheese,” replied Mr Macmillan. "The matter is having very full investigation at the present time by departmental officers working In co-opera-tion with the Dairy Research Institute at Massey College and the Dairy Board. The inspecting officers of the department are in close touch with the work of all factories concerning whose cheese complaint lias been made. Experts have conferred from time to time on these troubles, and if it seems to be necessary a further special conference will be convened."

MUNICIPAL BILL. t L_ MR M. J. SAVAGE'S OBJECTIONS. SECOND READING PASSED. (By Telegraph.—rress Association.) \V E 1.1.1 N OTO N. Til u rsday. The Municipal Corporations Rill was considered at the second reading stage jn the House of Representatives this evening. Mr M. J- Savage (Labour —Auckland West) raised objections to the clause giving councils the power to strike non-voting electors off the rolls. Ho advocated a system of compulsory enrolment. Referring to the clause giving power to fill extraordinary vacancies in councils, Mi S.i\a-,e. said provision should be made for the appointment of “Hie next on the list" al the general election. He said in this way a council would be going go 'j-.,,. r ,s possible toward futmiing Hie wish of electors. ..... . . Hp regretted Hie introduction into municipal politics of "the bad practice n f extending the life of governIn"- bodies." He said Ibis might, be useful in limes of political storms, hut it was moving councils further a wav from the electors. mV \ M. Samuel (Government— Thames)’ and Mr 11. Hlinkard <;ove’liment- nnton.a) stressed the necessity for the npportumly being given to local bodies to study icgisiHlon and welcomed Hie Minister's assurance that ample time would be allowed for tins purpose belore the Committee stage commenced In the House. , The hill was read a second time.