THE HOUSE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 63, 9 December 1918, Page 7

THE HOUSE

i 1 The- House of Representatives 1 met at [noon'.' ' .Water power. An amendment to'the 1 AVater Power Bill,- already passed by the House, was introduced by Governor-General's Message. - X . Sir Joseph Ward explained, that, tho amendment'limited the amount of money the.,water;,flower board might raise iii any one'year by way of overdraft. .The amendment .was adopted by the House.. ' ■ :j / :'• WAR LEGISLATION. ■The report of ..the 'managers appointed to confer with managers- from ,'the Legislative Council-on the War' Legislation Amendment Bill was -"received.', The effect was. that agreement had been readied (as already reported in Saturdays proceedings of the Council). The. report was adopted, without debate. _ -. "■''■/ ' ' REPATRIATION BILL THE BOARD OF MINISTERS • AN AMENDMENT REJECTED The Repatriation Bill was further considered in Committee. Tho debate .began in spirited fashion on the first'clause <of the'Bill, on the question of making'retrospective the re-, cent better : allowances to dependants of soldiers, who served early in the'war. Sir James Allen repeated his former assurance that he would submit to Cabinet tho question of whether the payment of these allowances should be taken into' consideration- in the allocation .of.

i the moneys to be used for the payment ■ of gratuities to soldiers with foreign seri vice. The Minister said that owing to the pressure of other more urgent business '■ the matter had not yet been submitted • to Cabinet. The first clause was passed after some ■ twenty minutes' discussion. The Board of Ministers, '. Mr.. W. .Downie Stewart, moved an amendment the effect of which was that there 'be one Minister.in charge of the Department, instead of a board of Ministers. ... . Sir Joseph Ward said that he had had no opportunity of speaking in the former debate on this matter, but ho wished io ■have something to say on the subject. He said that one Minister could not be allowed to control without reference to Cabinet the huge expenditure that would be. necessary, in ■connection with repatriation. Was Cabinet to meet every other day to decide questions! raised by the. Minister of Repatriation? A preferable method■ was that proposed, by which a sufficient number'of Ministers.would sit on a board to have enough authority to deal with most of its business'without reference to Cabinet.' He thought, the returned soldiers in asking for a single .Minister were making a, mistake. He would not support the amendment because he did not think it would be a wise proposal. He thought it was a bad augury for the future good government, of this country that this pressure should be brought upon the Government to reject the Gov-ernment-policy while .keeping'the Government in office. No. parly Government ' could allow' such a state of 'affairs, and advantage should not be taken of the tact that iv National Government, was in office. Mr. M'Combs declared that the Houso was, being, "bull-dozed" by,a few members of Cabinet into doing what in its judgment the House did not believe to be.right, . .'' The Hon. J. A. Hannn said that he ' believed the returned soldiers' were making a mistake in their, own interests in asking for a single Minister. No one Minister could possibly do justice, to the huge administration problems of .dealing with repatriation.. > .■ - Question of Responsibility. ; . The.Prime Minister said that the re- ''. sponsibility for the policy of the board [ would.lie with the chairman of the ' board, who would bo tlio Prime Minister, or in liis absence p senior Minister.. ; ' Mr. M'Combs: Sir James Alien? -Mr.. Massey: If Sir- James Allen can see his way to accept the position nobody will be more pleased than myself." He said that the chairman would be responsible to Parliament, for the work' of ■ repatriation;' Aii hon. member: Who is'to be di- ' rector? . ■; ' ' Mr. Massey: The director has not'yet been appointed. ■ | , t An. Hon. in'ember: Will he be. a sol--1 dier-Tjr a civilian? Mr. Massey: He will be a civilian. Amendment Lost. Tho amendment was rejected by 34 votes to 27. . . The'division.list was as follows-.— For'the amendment (31)—Allen, Anstey, „ Buddo, Carroll, Colvi'n, Dickie, EUi Cr'aigie, Forbes, Fraser, Guthrie, ' Hannn, Haries, Hunter, Isitt, Jennings, M'Callum,'MacDonald, Marider, Massey, Myers, E. Newman, l'earee, Poland, Poinare, Poole, Russell, Sidey, R. W. Smith, S. G. Smith, Talbot,- Ward, Wiliord, './itty.' .' V . Against the amendment (27)—Anderson, Bollard, J. M. Dickson, J. S. Dickson, P. Fraser, Harris, Holland, Hornsby, ' Hudson,' Lee, Luke, M'Combs, Nosworthy, Parr, Reed, T. W. Rhodes, Scott, .Statham,'Stewart, Sykes,-Y'eiteh, WaL ! ker, Wilkinson, Wright, Young, W. H. Field, T; A.' H. Field.' , . ' Mr.' G.. R. Sykes asked whether it was ■possiblei to' arrange.for reciprocal treatment for soldiers honourjibly discharged from some Imperial For.co.other than the New Zenlnnd Force. Sir James Alien said . that it was proposed .that loans might be arranged to soldiers of other British forces' in order to establish them in homes or businesses in this country, r/id this was (lie .thought) as far'as New Zealand ouglit to go. ''.-'. A Labour Amendment,' ■.Progress was made with, the Bill and a..few..classes' were passed. -- ■••.• \- ■ ■ MivrP.,; Fraser moved an amendment ' to make: provision for representation of Labour bodies on local'committees. Mr. L. M. Isitt'suggested that members of Parliament, by reason of their knowiedgo of their districts, should be ex officio members of all local committees. . ■. ' .'The Minister said he hoped members of. tho .House would take interest in the work of local.committees, but ho did not think it would be wise to appoint 'members .to bo ex officio members of local committees.. ■■ The amendment was lost by 59 votes j to' 7. Financial Assistance. On the motion ,of the Minister the amount which 'the Government may grant by way of financial assistance for, 'the purpose of onabling. soldiers to establish themselves in civil employment or occupation was increased from ,£250 to .£3OO. . - ; Some,members pressed for an increase of the maximum to: A'aOO or even to a greater amount- . Tho Minister asked the House to be reasonable. Tho sum of money.involved might be very large. If the amount were made larger, the result might be that the total sum available • would all go to the biggor men, and that the small men would get nothing. It should be remembered that if a ■ man had assets such ns land, and buildings he could get advances under other legislation. These advances to soldiers' to establish small businesses might bo attended with great' risk. It would bosafer to.go on for a few months, in which time it would be possible to see how the scheme worked. If experience shuwed. that." there ought to bo an increase ofthe maximum, an increase.could then be made. . ' , Mr. P. Fraser moved an' amendment which would havo the effect of making all tlie-men who had been in camp, fit' for active service, eligible for a section of land. • : The" amendment was rejected by 34 votes to 22.. The Bill was reported with - amendments, read a third lime, and passed. LICENSING BILL ■ - 'AN ALLEGED BRIBE. The Liconsing Amendment Bill was returned to tho House by His Excellency the-Gov'ernoi'-Geueral with amendments. Mr. E. P. LEE. (Oamaru) said that the amendment increased the liability for compensation tor be paid. It would not, however, increase . the maximum. He asked the Prime Minister what the estimated amount of the increased compensation would, be—the estimated amount under the Bill at' present being ■£3,600,000. Mr. A. S. MALCOLM (Clutlia)- said that he hoped that tho amendments would Ixi withdrawn. The Bill had been carefully • drawn, and it should lie left to stand.-. ■ The. amendments were suggest ed, he believed, -by the trade. No Bribery. Mr. M'COMBS. read- the following ' statement to the House:—"My statement regarding the necessity of a bribe to the trade in order to secure'the passage '.f , licensing legislation through the House , had no ireferenco whatever to the attitude of tho Now Zealand Alliance. I referred solely to the fact that the com- , position of the. House and the weakness of the National Government made it impossible to get any licensing legislation , dealt with on its merits or to got a vote , at all without the offer of compensation and without other demands of the trade , being granted. The New Zealand Alliance did not, so far,.as I am aware, enter , into any compact whatever with the i'rade, and I repeat I was not referring in any way to the alliance cr its atti- , tude." . , ■ ■ , The Hon. A...M. MYERS said that he had never before spoken in tho House on any matter affecting the trade, but ho, j felt constrained to take notice of what had been ?aid by the member for Lyttnl- • ton. The inference to be drawn from the j honourable member's statement was that the trade had accepted a bribe. lie thought it was only fair to call the at- , lention of members of (ho House lo the , fact that under existing law thcro was a respite of four and a half years after Ihe Carrying' of Prohibition, This Bill

provided for six months' respite. Jhe trade had not wanted any legislation. The Bill was introduced- in conformity with the recommendations of the Efficiency Board. No member of the House need think that the trade desired a bribe'. The trade was perfectly satisfied with the present position, and he trusted the member for Lyttellon would withdraw any suggestion that the trade wuntC The kI I»RiME MINISTER said ho must take exception to the suggestion thnt the trade had been consulted . specially''about the drafting of- the Bill. Tlie drafting was done bv'.'tho Law' Drafting Department, presided over by the Attorney-General, who was a Prohibitionist, but a thoroughly fair man. Representatives of the trade'and the alliance had had opportunities of stating their opinions, hue they had not'influenced the.drafting of the Bill. As for- the suggestion put forward by the member.'!or Lyttellon, it • was like, the honourable member. .Ho need say no more than that. These suggestions, about bargaining with the trade wero grossly unfair. Ho had halt a mind to drop.tho Bill,. (Cries of ' No. ) He was not going to tolcrato these suggestions. Mr! Massey went on to explain the effect of the new proposals affecting compensation. They were all proposals made to the''House by the Legislative Council. ■ ■ 'Mi-.'R.'AV. SMITH (Waimanno) asked for a bigger allowance of compensation -Mr some country hotels which would bo worthless without licenses. Mr. G. Forbes,'.Mr. E. Newman, Mr. W. T. Young,'' and other members supported Mr. Smith's request. '■ Mr. LEF said he wislied lo be assured that the total amount of compensation fixed by the House originally would not | be exceeded. Sir Joseph Ward, gave the assurance, based on his understanding'of the clauses of the Bill, and the Prime Minister also gave a like assurance. ' Tho amendments were reported from ' Committee and approved by'the House. ; NATIVE LAND BILL, The Native Land Amendment (Wash-ing-up)' Bill was put through Committee, read a third,time, and passed, the Minister of Native Affairs stating that it had the approval of the NatiTe members. ..■.•'. ' i DISTILLATION AMENDMENT BILL. Tho Hon. A. M. MYERS (Minister of Customs) moved the second reading of ' the Distillation Amendment Bill. He said that there could be no controversy ', about the Bill, the purpose of which was ■ to permit the manufacture of alcohol for. i industrial purposes. The Bill was put .through all stages and passed. ■ ' - / LOCAL BILLS. The- following local Bills were put through all stages and passed -.—Napier Harbour Board and /Napier High School Empowering Bill—second reading (Mr. Brown; Thames Borough Boundaries Alteration Bill-r-second reading Mr. T. .W. > 'Rhodes);. New Plymouth Harbour Board Empowering Bill—second reading (Mr. S. G Smith); Whaugarei Borough Empow- , ering Bill—second reading (Mr. Mander); • Duncdin City Fish-irarkets and Bmi powering Bill—second reading (Mr. Stnt- , ham); Wairoa Harbour Board Empowering and Loan Hiil—second reading (Hon. Sir J. G. Findlay). ' WASHING-UP BILL. Tho "Washiiig-Up" Bill was introduced . by Governor- General's Message. /' '.'• THE RABBITNUISANCE. Tho Rabbit Nuisance Bill was intro- ! diicecl by the Hon. W. D, S. Mac Donald, ' who asked that it should be referred direct to the-Stock Committee. - Air. ANDERSON- (Mataura) asked if the.Bill was intended to proceed that session. Some peoplo might like to give evidenco upon it. •■■■• The Minister snid that the Bill would have to go first-to tho Stock Committee. Its principal purpose , was. to make smaller rabbit districts. ■'• The Bill was read a- second time pro forma and referred to tlie Stock Com mi tteej.' '; ' ■-.-.- Tho House, adjourned at 10.45 p.m. until midday on. Monday. RIFLfe SHOOTING • .-,——»'.,-. '-,- v -KARORI CLUB.' The' members of.'the--Karon Defence Riflo Club fired the third* match of it's first series on Saturday afternoon last at 200, 300, and 500 yards ranges. The following are the best scores:— S. Batten, 33-31-30t-3-97; F. Ching, 31-31-32-9t;'F.. Daniel, 29—25—29—7— 00; AV.-Skegg, 23—25—27r—14—89; S. Dix, 20—26—21—ai—8S; J. Burnes, 30-28-20-87; H. Bulford, 3f1,-°£s-20-S7; W. Farquhar, . G. Jones, W. Clark, 27-30-19-7 -83; W. Stanton;' P 2-19-20-21-82; W. Judd, 26—20—2(J—81; K, Randall, 2a —27—20—72. l - The<final match-of the first series will be fired on Saturday 'afternoon'next. ' SUBURBS CLUB. The Suburbs Rifle Club fired their fourth and final shoot for the firs}; series of trophies, the winner of the. series being Captain .J. Ross, . President Fellingham taking second ulacoj.W. A. Longman, a new member tins year,' took third trophy, with W. J. Spoiner fourth. Sat-urday-was a bad day for.high scoring, a gusty, northerly prevailing. In spite of the adverse conditions, President Fellingham, piled on (he good score of '92, Captarn Ross being next with 80. Tho following arc the-scores (ranges 200, 30!) and 500 yards, seven shots):— W. Staples, 527-r3o—32—±—93; Fellingham, 31-31-30-scr.-32; J. Ross, 26-32 —32-1-91; W. J. Longman, 27-25-29-9-90; R. J. Gray, 31—25—29—1—59; W. J. -Spencer, ;27-r27-30-l-88; A- Harris 29-30-2S-scr.-87; G.'O. Smith, 21-27-29-fi-85j-Smart,- .28->29~26-scr.-83; H. Gawith, 27 r 24-29-2-82; C. CheVne, 22 -28-21-9-80; G. Matthews/ 22-22-21-15-80; W. Cox, 31-27-17-4-79; W. Cropp, 24-22-21 r -12-79; G. Emms, 18 -2-1-16-20-78; A, Bellamore, 26-30-21 -2-79; J. Ncal, 29—26—21—5cr.—79. Ihe result .of the first series for trophies is as follows (one shoot dropped) ■— Upt. J. Ross, 275 points, ,£1 10s., IstPresident FelHngham, 272 points, £1 ss. 2nd; Mnin. W. J. Longman, 265 points! las., 3rd; Rflmn. W. J. Spencer,- 264 points, 15s„ Ith.