LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ACT, 1914

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 305, 18 September 1920, Page 8

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ACT, 1914

MR. GOW'S MOTION

CARRIED BY 23 VOTES TO 5

The Legislative Council yesterday resumecLihe adjourned debate upon the Hon. J. B. motion, urging the Government not to bring into force tho Legislative Council Act, 1911, and upon the Hon. C. H. Izard's amendment proposing that thie Bill be not brought into operation "in its present form." The Hon. G. Jones, who had moved the adjournment of tho debate on the previous day, said he did not see that any good purpose could be t served by continuing the discussion. Mr. Izard 6aid that after hearing the expression of opinion that had fallen from Sir Prancis Bell on Thursday,' ho had agreed with his seconder to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. Govt, in replying, Raid that in Lis speech of the previous day Sir Francis Bell had stated vory fairly the genesis of the motion. The motion was merely a frank response to the invitation of the Prime Minister to express an opinion upon the Act. He had thought it right to voice the fears he entertained in regard to the effect of the change that would be mndo by the Act. He wished he could have seen the question from tho same point of view as the LeadeT of the Council, but he had certain fears, and he had felt that he must give expression to them.

The Council carried the motion by 23 votes to 5. Ayes: Barr, Buchanan, Clarko, Earnshaw, Fisher, Garland, Geddis, Gow, Grimmond, Hardy, Hawke, Jones, MacGibbon, Michel. Moore, Nerhcuy, Patuki, Samuel, Sinclair, Scott, Smith, Stewart, Trig'gSi Noes: Bell, Fraser, Hall-Jonee, Harris, Izard.

The motion carried by the Legislative Council yesterday expressing an •opinion adverse to the operation of tho Legislative Council Act, Ml, does not necessarily have any effect. The Act, which provides that the Coun:il shall become elective on a proportional representation basis, is on the Statute Book, but has been suspended by later legislation. An amending Act of 1918 provided that the main Act should come into operation on a date to be fixed by proclamation, not later than twelve months r.fter the date of the proclamation, The Council's motion is an expression of opinion, and has not the effect of an amendment of legislation. Later in the session the House of Representatives will have an opportunty to express an opinion on the point. « ONCE SHY" CONTRACTS WITH WORKERS. "Why don't you enter into contacts with tho workers to build bouses?" asked Mr. TV\ E. -Parry (Auckland Central) in tho House. . ~,... "I don't know about entering into contracts with tJhe workers," replied Sir William Hemes. "Tho Government has entered into contracts with miners, and the miners have a, way of tearing up the contracts. Mr. Parry: That is a snivelling way of getting out of it. Members: It is quite true. It is a very good reply. .... Sir William Herries: Once bit, twice shy. WILL BUILD THEIR OWN HOUSES RAILWAYMEN'S OFFER, I "If the Railway Department will provide the services of one 'architect and one carpenter, and supply tho material, fifteen railwaymen in my district will be prepared to build as many houses in Marton," said Mr. Glenn (Rangitikoi) in tiie House last night. "The men will work between shifts. I presume that the Minister would not expect them to work for nothing, and would pay union rates of wages. This is a genuine offer from men whe> want houses." The suggestion of Mr. Glenn that this I offer sbould bo accepted was supported by Mr. E. Newman (llanawntu). "Mr. Massey replied that personally ho thought the scheme was a good one. Ha hart sont it to tho Department for investigation, with, a favourable recommendation. He would tie glad, to seo tho raiiwnymen building their own houses. WAR REGULATIONS CONTINUANCE BILL PASSED BY THE COUNCIL. The War Regulations Continuance Bill was yesterday committed in the Legislative Council, and was reported with no other amendments than those which Sir Francis Bell had previously indicated ho would move. The effect of these amendments has already been published. Tho'Hon. J. MacGregor suggested that the Government should fix a definite period—say, twolvo months—for tho continuance of tho regulations. Sir Francis Bell replied that the Government had already revoked as many of the war regulations as it could, and it would not kejp tho remaining ones in force longer than was necessary, To adopt Mr. MacGregor's suggestion would bo to mako it necessary for a revival ■ Bill to bo introduced next year. The matter was not pursued further. The Bill was read a third time and passed. SOLDIERS AND THEIR WOOL MR. MASSEY PROMISES HELP. ' When tho proapocta of tho wool market were mentioned In tho Houso of Representatives, Mr. G. Forbes (Hurunui) remarked that somo of the soldier-settlers could not afford to hold their wool while the market was recovering. They required to handh the money. The Prime Minister: Wo shall take thoir financial, position into consideration. I know th.it in making that promise I am undertaking a very big thing, but I think tjiat wo should givo to the returned soldier-sottiore any flatiatacce thej require