NOT THIS SESSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 230, 28 September 1929, Page 12

NOT THIS SESSION.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE. "I WON'T BE DRIVEN." PRIME MINISTER'S DECLARATION. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) \ WELLINGTON, this day. "I am not going to be driven by any combination," was the Prime Minister's declaration when 'he made clear to theHouse of Representatives 'early this morning -that unemployment insurance will not be the. subject of legislation this session. Sir Joseph reminded, members of the Budget reference to tiiifc matter, with the promise of legislation next session, after careful investigation. There had j been an effort to force him, he eaid, but nobody could do it this session. Mr/P. Fraser (Wellington Central): Give us tie opportunity, we will, i . Sir Joseph Ward repeated that there was a great deal to be clone before an unemployment scheme could be formulated, and it was useless indulging in platitudes and putting an immature scheme on the Statute Book. To expect immediate legislation was to expect the impossible. Mr. Fraser: Not at all. .; . • Sir Joseph: I am not going to try the impossible. Mr! Fraser: Then you should give way to someone else. Sir Joseph: Very well, I am prepared to <nve way to someone elee when they can e turn me out, but that's not the end ° Mr. Fraser: That is for the country to decide. Advice to Mr. Fletcher. The Prime Minister, turning to his supporter, Mr. J. S. Fletcher (Grey Lynn), remarked that he was quite prepared to investigate hie suggest/ion for increasing the amount of the highwaye revenue to three millions by borrowing two millions more for two years, as a means of meeting the unemployment difficulty. "But I want to tell him, eaid Sir Joseph, "that it can't be done. (Laughter and Labour cries, Way investigate it?"). Sir Joseph: I am quite willing to investigate it, but as a matter tff fact it would mean borrowing on the London market three years' running. It is not a feasible financial proposition. 1 am quite willing. Mr. Fraser: To investigate how it can't be done. (Laughter). Sir Joseph: To investigate it to satisfy anybody who thinks it can. be done. ' . , ~ ~ Mr. Fletcher: I could handle the matter myself. Reform Party's Flattery. Sir Joseph: I dare say you could., (Laughter). The hon gentleman should beware of gifts from the Greeks. The Reform party ere throwing their gifts at you. It was to flatter the hon. gen|leroan and elevate him on a pedestal that did not have a foundation. Mr. Fletcher: How does one hang on if there is no foundation? (Laughter.) Sir Joseph: I am telling the hon. gentleman in a perfectly respectable manner. (Loud laughter.) Tiie Prime Minister finished his speech at 2.25 a.m.