Mr. Parry's Dream That Is Coming True

Chronicle (Levin), 12 November 1948, Page 5

Mr. Parry's Dream That Is Coming True

WELLINGTON, Nov. 11. "This is something we Jreamed of 30 odd years ago," said Hon. W. E. Parry in-tlre House of Representatives tbnigkt when moving the second reading of tlie Family Benefits (Reciproeity with Great Britain) Bil) and . of a similar Bill giving reciprocity with Northern Ireland. - Mr. Parry said the establishment of reciprocity . tyith Britain in family benefits served to emphasise anew the understanding and syinpathetie feeling between the Mot.her Country and New Zealand. Negotiations were still going on for the extension of reciprocity to other benefits and he hoped it would not be long before full reeipro--city with Britain was achieved in regard to the varjoiis forms of pensions obtaining jn the two countries. Mr. Parry said negotiations with Australia for an extension of reciprocity were . also proceeding. Mr. E. P. Aderman (New Plymouth) expressing the Opposition's approval of the Bill, said he hoped the day would come when reciprocity of pensions would become international. Hc thought that under the present Bill, New Zealand would face greater expense than Britain for immigration would bring to New Zealand more children from Britain than would emigrate from this country to Britain. However, this would be to New Zealand 's ultimate advantage and the Bill was a welcome measure. Mr, A. C. Baxter (Raglan) said the Bill was not the last word on reciprocity but the Minister deserved eqngratulations on the start that had been. made. Mr. Nash sajd the Bill showed that New Zealand was keen to do something for Great Britain. The Bffi would cost New Zealand people much more than it would cost the people of Britain — double, treble, four or live 'times as great as it would cost the Old Country. Mr. Holland said that members of the Government had spoken a.S though they were the only people who had any feeling for children but he would like to point out that family benefits were not introdueed in this country by tfie Labour Government, Mr. Nordmever, explaining the differences in the rates of family benefits between the two countries, said that in New Zealand ten shillings weekly was paid for each child whereas in Britain there was no beiiefit in respect of the first children and five shillings weekly in respect of subsequent children. * Mi'! Pari'Yj replying, said a woman with ono child emigrating from Bri tain to New Zealand would receive ten shillings weekly oh arrival here whereas a New Zealand niotlier of two children going to Britain would receive five shillings weekly there compared witl. £1 weeldy liere. Our benefits were more liberal, bnt any differeuce was not surprising in view of Britain 's great sacrifices during the war years, The Bill was. read a second tipie.