PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3189, 13 September 1917, Page 6

PARLIAMENT

RESTRICTING THE SALE OF LIQUOR THE GOVERNMENT'S BILL PROPOSED HOURS -9 A.M. TO 8 P.M. PRIVATE MEMBERS' BILLS The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. CONSTITUTION OF THE COUNCIL. The Hon. J. T. PAUL asked tho Leader of the Council, in accordance with notice: ■ ■ (1) Whether the Government 'has considered the presont position of tho Legislative Council; and, if so, does it consider that the Council's present membership of twenty-four, a portion of which is unnbV regularly to attend tho sittings of the Council, constitutes a sufficient body for the effective transaction of business audi the duo discharge of tho responsibility attaching to a Second Chamber? (2) Whether the Government will tell the country plainly what it proposes to do with tho Council as regards its constitution—whether tho Council is to be kept in its present unrepresentative state and reduced strength, or whether, some further proposal is contemplated in tho direction of undermining the present law which provides for the election of the Legislative Council by the people!

Air. Paul said that he had placed the question on the Order Paper with the object of gaining information regarding the Government's intentions. The Council in 1892 had contained 35 members, in 1893 16, in 1000 45, in 1905 44, in 1910 42, in 1915 37, and in 1916 34. The present members numbered 24. t \"The Government .does consider that the present members of the Legislative Council constitute a body well fitted for the effective transaction of business, and is satisfied that the present members duly discharge their responsibilities," said Sir Francis Bell, in reply. "The Council during the two immediately preceding sessions and during the present session, has, by reason of the attention of Parliament being confined principally to finance and war legislation, had little to occupy its time. Additions to its members would not increase its • opportunities for usefulness at present. The subject of appointments to the Council requires very careful consideration .and deliberation. It could not be dealt with during the absence of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, and since their return Cabinet has been closely occupjed with the legislation and business of • this session. The Government proposes at an early date to advise the appointment of additional members to tho Council.

"The reply to the second part of tho question is that the National Government is not united in opinion on the subject. It was a condition of the combination of parties in 1915 that no question relating to the constitution of tho Legislative Council should be dealt with by tho National Cabinet, and that tho coming into operation of the Legislative Council Act, 1914, should be postponed until after tho next ensuing general election." Tho Council adjourned at 2.45 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. to-day.

THE HOUSE

The House'of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. Mr. G. J. ANDERSON (Mataura) gavo notice of his intention to move certain amendments in the Liquor Bill when it came down. Voices: "What aro they?" and "Wo haven't got it yet." NO LAND FOR DESERTERS. Mr. ANDERSON gave notice that ho.would move to add a new clause to the Expeditionary Forces Amendment Billto ; provide that deserters from the Expeditionary Force shall not be allowed to acquire- lands, and jfhat tho Government shall have power to confiscate the lands of deserters. PAINTERS' HEALTH PROTECTION. Tho Painters' and Decorators' Health Protection Bill (Mr. Veitch) was introiiuced and road a first time. THE LIQUOR BILL DEBATE ON THE INTRODUCTION HOURS: NINE TO

Tho Sale of Liquor > Restriction Bill (tho Rt. Hon. W. !b\ Massey) was introduced.

Mr! E. A. WEIGHT (Wellington Suburbs) asked tho Prime Minister to give some account of the details in tho Bill.

Mr. L. M. ISITT (Christchurch North) I said that it had been widely reported that the prayer of tho petitions presented to tho House would not be granted: the hotels' hours were not to be limited to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. He had not yet given up hope, however. Did the Prime Minister realise what rejection of this petition would mean? If after three years the prayer of such a largely-signed petition was to be rejected, it would mean that the people were being jockeyed by the National Government. Why had Ihis drug such a fast hold on civilised nations? The demand for tho early closing of hotels was almost universal except for those people in trade circles. Ho could not understand people who denied that the early closing of hotels would not work immeasurable good. Ho scoffed at the idea that New Zealand could not* afford to lose tho revenue from the liquor traffic. His central idea was that early closing would accomplish huge benefit in promoting efficiency. If tho Government had not given G o'clock closing, then ho hoped the Government would reconsider the Bill. If tho Government ■ would do this they would win more confidence than they could by any Bill they could possibly .present to the House.

Mr. J. PAYNE (Grey Lynn) said that Mr. Isltt.had not adduced any good arguments for early closing, that all his arguments were for Prohibition. Mr. Payne would not admit that the abolition of the drink traffic would- improve the social condition of tho people.

Dr. H. T. J. THACKER (Christchurch East) had a joke with Mr. Isitt about tho "million hurdle" which had to be got over by tho Government before it agreed to Prohibition. The revenue could not be snared. He argued generally that liquor did not make for physical deterioration.

Mr. A..HARRIS (Wnitonwta) said that, a medical nn who said that alcohol was not harmful must be absolutely out of touch with modern medical research. It was rumoured that the Bill ignored the popular demand for six o'clock closing. He had no hesitation in saying that 80 per cent, of tho people of the Dominion earnestly desired the full measure of reform." He would like nn assurance from the Prime Minister that !he Honso would bo unfettered in it? decision repnrding the closing hour. Members a'ld Ministers should bo free to vote according to their convictions. The altornativo to six o'closlt closing by Art of Parliament was a referendum, and the advocates of the reform were not prepared ?o accept nnv compromise.

The Hon. A. T. NGATA (Eastern Maori! said that vn amount of argument would change a single vote. The question of early closing as a war measure need not be <li«cn°sp(l from a Prohibition stnndnoint at all. Tt was the business nf a Vationnl Government to bring down half-way measures. The majority of members of tho House- were not in favour of 6 o'clock closing. Tho House would have to accept f) a.m. to 8 p.m., and bo thankful for that. He had never seen anything good in liquor, and would vote for 3 o'clock closing if a proposal in that di-

roction was made. But lio expected to havo to accept a compromise. Mr. H. CI. ELL (Chrislchurch. South) saiu lie hoped the honest opinion of ov.ery member of tho House would' go oil record. Tho country had shown its wish tor sis o clock closing very clearly. Mr. P. C. WEBB (Grey) protested against arguments in favour of Prohibition being based upon tho allegations Hint liquor injured the workers. The lending; men in tho Labour movement .were teetotallers. The muddle-brained men did not lind their way into tho Labour movement. Ho hoped a, poll would bo taken on the licensing question this year, with 1 a general election at the same time.

Mr. C. H. POOLE (Auckland West) said there- could be no doubt at all that drink was an enemy of the Labour movement.

Mr. J M'COMBS (Lyttelton) said the Ked l'cd. leaders realised that the d'wger to their movement was the hobo," the man whose drinking habits mado him the easy tool of the employers. ' Mr. Massey Explains. € The PRIME MINISTER, in reply said ne did not propose at that stage to deal with the various points raised in the debate, ihe Bill proposed that tho opening hour for hotels should be 9 a.m instead of G a.m., and that the closing hour should be 8 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. I his meant a reduction of five hours per day. Chartered clubs would be on exactly the same footing as hotels. They would have to observe the samo hours. A member: What about Bellamy's? Mr. Massey: "Bellamy's must ctose at the same time as the licensed houses and the chartered clubs. That should be made perfectly clear. I don't mind putting that in the Bill." Tho Bill would be regarded by the Government as a. non-party measure. No influence would be used, and every member of the House and the Government will bo allowed to vote just as lie felt inclined and his conscience dictated. He hoped that this point would be made perfectly clear. There was no proposal in .the Bill for a referendum, and it was not intended to insert oiie. The adjustment of rents and- rates had not been considered by the Cabinet. He. would consult his colleagues on tills point'. The Bill did not propose to repeal the auti"shouting" law. Mr. J. Anstey (Waitaki): When will the Bill come into operation? Mr. Massey: "On November 1." The second reading will be taken on Tuesday evening next. Mr. Hornsby: Is there any restriction regarding the wholesale sale of liquor? Mr. Massey: We cannot allow wholesale houses to go on selling after 8 o'clock. The Bill was introduced and read a first time. PRIVATE MEMBERS' BILLS SHOPS AND OFFICES. Tho first of the private members' Bills for consideration was the Shops and Offices Amendment Bill (.Mr. Hindmarsh). The second reading had been I taken pro forma, and tho motion was ! that the Bill be committed. ■ The Right Hon. W. F. MASSEY said he had examined the Bill, and he believed it could be made a good'measure. But it would not do in its present shape. The Bill would have to bo re-drafted, and if the honourable member would give the Bill to him he would have it re-drafted. After that he would either take up the ■ Bill as a Government measure or hand it back to the honourable member.

Mr. HINDMABSH readily agreed to this course, saying that he did not caro who had charge of the legislation so long as it was passed. The Bill was committed and progress was reported. PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION. NO ELECTION THIS TEAR. The next Bill was the Parliamentary Election Postponement Amendment Bill (Mr. Wiltyl The PRIME MINISTER raised a point ■of order—that as the Bill would iLcrease tho expenditure of the Crown it was an Appropriation Bill. Mr. WITTY said he was fio-rry tho Prime Minister had raised such a point of order.' The Prime Minister should have let tho House have a vote on the question.

The Prime Minister said that if members of tho House -wanted an election lie would do his bestto bring about nn election. Let tiiem bring along a request with a sufficient number of signatures.

Mr. SPEAKER sustained tho point of order, and the Bill was therefore ruled out..

Mr. Witty: I am sorry tho Prime Minister has raised the question. He is afraid.

Mr. Buick: Oh, no, you are not sorry. THE HUTT ROAD. Mr: R. A. WEIGHT (Wellington Suburbs) moved the second reading: of tho Hutt Road Amendment Bill. He said that the object of the Bill was to empower the Hutt Road Board to Tiorrow a sum of with which to build a concrete track in the middlo of tho road to be used exclusively by motors. Tile road in its present shape was being badly worn by motors. The Bill provides for the collection of certain fees en .motor vehicles in Wellington and tho Wellington suburban area, and all the money collected in these fees would be 6pent on tho Hutt Road. The Bill was read a second time on tho voices.

A LABOUR BILL. Mr. W. A. VEITCH (for Mr. A. Walker) moved the second ''eading of the Industrial Conciliation, and Arbitration Amendment Bill. The Bill was read a second time on the .voices. DAYLIGHT-SAVING AGAIN. Mr. T. K. SIDEY (Dunedin South) was given a round of applause when lie rose to move the second reading of his Definition of Time Bill. He urged that the effect of the Bill would be to induce economy, and economy was very necessary at present. Ho said that the scheme had never' had a fair trial in Australia, so that the fact that it had been turned down there should not have- undue weight. In any case, Australia should not lx> > our example in wnr legislation. He moved the second reading with very brief comment.

Mr. H. J. H.'OKEY (Taranaki) said that since last session tho scheme had had a trial in Australia, and it had been a failure. He could not but be astonished at the persistence of the honourable member in trying to force his scheme on the New Zealand public. A division was called on the second reading, lint tho «ill was not enthusiastic, and was not supported by the chief opponents of the Bill. At the second call 'the "Noes" did not call for a division, and the Bill was read a second time on the voices. Mr. Sidey asked for another opportunity to "advance his Bill further stages. Mr. MASSEY said that he would give the honourable member his opportunity, but he would warn !he honourable member that a great change had taken place in public opinion on this question. It had been tried in Australia, having been passed as a Government Bill, and it had been a failure. Here wc Fhould endeavour lo encourage producers,, and this would not be done by the passage of this Mr. Sidey said that the trial in Australia wa« not conclusive. Did the Prime Minister knew how tho scheme liad worked in Britain? Mr. Massey: Yes, I do. And I .*ay that there is no 'comparison possible between the conditions in Britain and in this country.

MAORI WAR MEDALS. Mr. R. A. WRIGHT (Wellington Suburbs) moved the tccond reading of the Maori War Medal Bill, which provides that men who served in the Maori Wars shall receive the war medal even if they had not been under fire. Tie said that it was no fault of the men that they lia.l not been under fire. They had served where thev were told to serve. Mr. J. PAYNE (Grey Lynn) suggested that tho Bill was out of order, since it was an Appropriation Bill. It involved expenditure on iredals. The Speaker said he would oxamino the Bill and give a ruling later. Mr. A. E. GLOVER (Auckland Central) said that all tho men who had served

in the Maori Wars ought to receive the war medal. They had earned it.

Mr. W. T. JENNINGS (Taumarunui) said that all veterans who had established claims to the war medal had received it. He did not think that mon who had served in hospitals and at centres away from tho actual fighting should receive tho same recognition as men who had been under firo.

Mr. .1. A. YOUNG CWaiUto) said Hut he presumed soldiers wiTo had i'.i the present war without com'irij; * ider firo would receive war medals.' I'ho Maori AVar veterans deserved all consideration.

Mr. W. A. VEITCH (Wanganui) said there were veterans who had been under firo but were unable to prove it owing to the death of their officers and comrades. '

Mr. H. J. H. OKEY (Taranaki) said that men had been denied the pension because military orders had kept them on guard duty while their comrades were lighting. This was not fair. Tho Bill was read a second time.

TOLL GATES. M'r. C. A. WILKINSON (Egniont) moved the second reading of the Toll Gates Abolition Bill. Ho said his Bill proposed to abolish toll gates for good and all, and to provide machiiwry for the adjustment of disputes between local bodies regarding the maintenance of connecting roads. The toll gates in Tnranaki had become an intolerable nuisance. Five counties had toll gates. The argument that the gates were needed to provide revenue for road maintenance would not-stand examination, since the Taranaki county, with the best roads, had no toll gates. The toll gate system was threatening to 6pread, and it ought to he swept away. Mr. G. V. PEARCE (Patea) supported the Bill. If the system initiated in Taranaki was allowed to continue, it would trouble the whole country. Taranaki had got toll gates jbeuiuse of the division of the counties. ' The charges were often very high, up to 3s. Gd. for a motor-car and 30s. for a traction engine. When one county erected a toll gate in order to raise revenue, a neighbouring county was forced to have a toll gate in order to protect its own ratepayers. The cost of maintaining the gates was considerable, and the whole system was wasteful. • The debate was adjourned on the motion of Mr. Nosworthy (Ashburton). -The House adjourned at 9.23 p.m. until, 2.30 p.m. to-day.

SECOND DIVISION MEN » THE PRE-BALLOT MEDICAL EXAMINATION. (By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Masterton, September 12. The-Mastorton branch of the Second Division League has passed the following resolution: "That the Masterton Second Division League regrets to have to express dissatisfaction with tho Hinis- ' ter's reply regarding a pre-ballot medical i,examination, in view of the fact that ' he informed representatives of the National Executive that his Department has prepared a scheme under Section VII of the Act, which could not be put into operation owing to the shortness of time now left before the ballot, such disability being due, in the opinion of this league, to the unjustifiable procrastination of the Defence Department; and further, that this league demands that provision for three months before being called up after medical examination shall be made by legislative enactment."

THE GRAVES OF THE LUSITANIA

1 NEGLECTED MOUNDS IN IRELAND. The newest memorial to be placed on the graves of the Lusitania victims is an lutificiul bouquet of (lowers enclosed in a glass case, which also contains a woman's' photograph and small marble cross, with the inscription: " "In memory of my dear wife,' Margaret Butler, drowned .on the Lusitania,' Vengeance is Mine, saith the Lord; I will repay." This and threo rough mounds of earth (says tho Queenstown correspondent of. the New York "Evening Post") are virtually all that mark tho resting-place of more than a thousand persons, who .perished May 7, 1915, when a German j submarine stunned the world by sending to the bottom of the ocean, twenty-three miles from Queenstown, the first tiansAtlantic passenger steamship to bo sunk by a torpedo. There is a movement on loot to erect a great monument over these graves, but it is not likely to bear fruit until the end of the war. A high official of the Cunard Steamship Company, owners of the Lusitania, visited the graves recently abd deprecated the fact they are so neglected. He told the veteran Town Clerk, James Campbell, that he was making a, report to his company, with the view cf co-oper-ating with the British Government for a suitable monument, but expressed doubt if anything could be done in the midst of this world war. Officers and men from American craft now in British waters also have made long overland pilgrimages'to the graves and have given hearty support to the movement. A correspondent of the Associated Press who a few davs ago. visited the burial place in a local cemetery which is situated in a green wood on tho cliffs behind this picturesque town, found- g: ass growing a foot high over the threo iwvnds marking as many huge graves, tl.o largest containing seventy bodies and tho others fifty and twenty-seven victims of the German submarine. The J own Cleric •apologised for the uncut grass, saying it was allowed to grow until July first to enable the poorly paid caretaker to procure hay therefrom. "Alter July the first," he said, "you wiil see a transformation." . The cemetery is seldom visited by any of tho townspeople, who shun it because it brings back awful memories of the heart-breaking scenes' enacted on that fatal May 7 two years ago. /-s showing the sentimentality of theso pious townsfolk it is interesting to note that tho Town Hall, which was turned, lfto a temporary morgue on that occasion, has never Iwe'n occupied by any one since except" Mr. Campbell. the town clerk. "People who used the "'own Hal as a market place where they sold butter. :„*«, and cheese have never rrturned, saTd'Mr. Campbell. "The treasury is set back JES annually, derived from rental space in the Town Hall." Not until about two years after the disaster could the decorator and painter bo induced to take up the work of house-cleaning the Town Hall, which is being done in the hope of coaxing back the market people and, incidentally .v>inc of be revenue of this quaint o d nlaoe, which before the war owed its ar.ie largely to it, being the port of will of Aim-nean mail steamers, and the i'not Hat it boasts tho oldest yacht club in the world.