FROM THE GALLERY

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19406, 5 November 1934, Page 7

FROM THE GALLERY

WEEK IN PARLIAMENT.

BUBINEBS NEARLY FINISHED. ■MODIFICATION OF DAIRY BILL. (Times Correspondent.). 1 WELLINGTON, Sunday. Apart from the remaining stages of the Agriculture (Emergency Powers) Bill and the report of the Native Affairs Commission, the House of Representatives has very little business to complete before adjourning until early In the coming year. Another three days should be sufficient to bring the. session to a close, and the, indications are that the adjournment will be- reached about Friday. When the House resumes on Monday after the week-end adjournment further consideration will be given to the additions to the Finance Bill brought down by Governor-General’s Message on Friday. The Government had hoped to dispose of this Bill before the adjournment w’as taken that day, hut in view of the debate that developed on a clause providing for a rebate of i'2i per cent, on rural rates the passing of the Bill w’as held over until this week. Criticism of Olause. Several members strongly criticised the olause, not because they wished to deny the farmers this measure of relief, but on the ground that the assistance should only go to those people In need of it and not to those well able to do without this help. It was suggested that some more equitable basis should be devised than a method whereby the relief was given to all irrespective of whether they required it or not. After the Finance Bill has been passed- it is intended to proceed with the committee -stages of the Agriculture (’Emergency Powers) Bill; which gives effect to some of the major recommendations of the Dairy Industry Commission including the establishment of an Executive Commission of Agriculture, and the reoonstitution of the Dairy Board. Many Government supporters are of ■ opinion that the powers given under this Bill should be somewhat modified. Cabinet met on Saturday but the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, subsequently stated that no consideration had been given to the Bill. However, Cabinet is meeting to-morrow and it is understood that representations made in connection with the dairying legislation will (then be considered. Native Affairs Discussion. The report of the Native Affairs Commission will be discussed by the House on Tuesday. The presentation Of this report last week was followed by an announcement that Sir Aplrana Ngata had resigned his Ministerial offices and his membership of the Executive Council. H is the intention of Sir Aplrana to make a shprt speech in dofenoe of hds policy when the report is under disoussion. With the resignation of Sir Aplrana, it is expected that Mr. S. G. Smith ’(New Plymouth) will be appointed to take his place as a member of Cabinet soon after Parliament adjourns. In the meantim'e the -portfolios previously administered by Sir Apdrana have been taken over by the Prime Minister.

Previous Experience. Mr. Smith, who Is chairman of committees, has had Ministerial experience. As ia member of the Forbes Administration following the death of Sir Joseph Ward, Mr. Smith proved himself an efficient administrator. His appointment would also strengthen Cabinet materially on the debating side. Incidentally Mr. Smith pioneered the original unemployment legislation of 1930 on co the Statute 'Book. Now that a new appointment to the Ministry has become necessary the question has been raised as to the advisability of restoring the strength of Cabinet to twelve. When the Coalition was formed in September, 1931, the number of Ministers was reduced from that number to ten. Extent of Reshuffle. It is difficult to forecast the extent of the reshuffle of portfolios but it is likely to be considerable. The general opinion is that the Minister of Finance, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, is the one best suited to represent the Interests of the native race, but he is already carrying heavy Ministerial burdens. If the health of the Hon. Adam Hamilton prevents his resuming the administration of the unemployment portfolio Mr. Smith would be well equipped to take It over. ■ Slnoe Mr. Hamilton’s Illness necessitated his being relieved from some of his Ministerial responslbllltes the Hon. J. A. Young has been Aotng-Mlnister of Employment. To allow Mr. Coates to take over native affairs possibly he could be relieved of some portfolio such as transport.