MEMBERS ANXIOUS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 227, 25 September 1929, Page 11

MEMBERS ANXIOUS.

BOMBARDMENT OF QUESTIONS

PREMIER'S BRIEF SUMMARY,

NO "ARMY OF INSPECTORS."

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday

The introduction of the new Transport Bill brought a rapid series of questions by members seeking to know the contents of the measure, the Leader of the Opposition asking a number of questions centring on the subject of road control and the possible establishment of a new department of State.

Sir Joseph Ward gave an assurance that the Main Highways Board was retained, and would have complete control as at present. The only difference would be that the South Island would have one extra member. This would be brought about by arranging that when South Island matters were under discussion a North Island member would remain inactive. Similarly, ,vhea North Island matters were under review a South Island member would remain inactive. By this simple method the position would be adjusted without interference. Material alterations had been made in connection with the regulation and control of motor traffic in New Zealand. Previously the Pub.lic Works Department never had any control, but motor vehicles were now so numerous and were increasing with such rapidity that it was necessary at this stage to have an administrative body in charge. Several members raised points of local interest, and the Prime Minister, bombarded with questions from all sides, asked why members could not wait until they saw the bill, which would be circulated immediately. There they would find answers to most of their questions, including that of county representation, which was provided for. Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon) asked what would be the effect on local bodies if the post office collected all the license fees? The reply of the Prime Minister was that although the post office would be used as the collecting medium, thus making it easier for motorists to pay their taxation, it would be distributed to the local bodies entitled to it. There would be no deduction from local body revenue, and no charges for collection. The aim of the bill, he added, was to bring about co-ordination among all classes of motor,vehicle owners with as little inconvenience to them as possible. The Leader of the Opposition (lit. Hon. J. G. Coates) remarked that it was usual on introducing an important bill to give a brief general summary. If the poets office was to collect the drivers' fees who would license the drivers? Would the post office officials be the examiners? He could see the question arising of having an army of inspectors. "We are not having an army of inspectors! You can remove that misrepresentation from your speech," replied the Prime' Minister.