THE SESSION

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 1, 26 September 1921, Page 4

THE SESSION

[ADDRESS-IN-REPLY THIS WEEK ABOUT THE TARIFF BILL After sitting for two afternoons the House of Representatives liar, an order paper of'quite formidable dimensions. Nineteen Bills have been introduced, six of them coming from the Government, if rne House cared to set itself seriously to the tusk of finishing its work before Christmas, it could get busy this week. The A.ddrcss-in-Reply Debate comes first, however, and since the Leader of tile Onposltion and the leader of the Labour Barty have both given notice . of amendments, the debate seems bound to occupy n few days. Both Houses will meet to-morrow and will hear the opening speeches in the Address-in-Reply Debates. THE TARIFF BILL. Members naturally are anxious to discover when the Tariff Bill will roach the House, but the Minister of Customs (the Hon. W. D. Stewart) is not giving any information 'on this point. When a. question was put to him upon the subject in the House, he said that it was not customary to state just when a new tariff would'make its appearance. IL mentioned at the same time that he could not undertake to place Before members the evidence that had been taken by the Departmental Tariff Commission, but he had no doubt that members would be able to get all the information they needed. Much of the evidence had been confidential. , ' It is a safe guess that the Tariff Bill will not appear until the Primo Minister, who is due here about a week hence, has had time to examine its provisions. In the meantime there is plenty of other work to occupy the attention of the House. THE CENSORSHIP. The leader of the Labour Party is still interesting himself in the censorship. He has givep notjes to ask tho Minister of Internal Affairs "whether he will inform the House why publications like Mr. Frank Anstey’s 'Red Europe Mr. George R. Kirkpatricks War-Mhat Dor?’ and ‘Roos’s Magazine, which contain no advocacy of violence are prohibited from circulation within New Zealand.” . , e Air. Holland mentions by way of comment that "Red Europe’.«« d J”?/ Magazine” are published in Aust aha whiTp “War—-What For?” is published in America. SURPLUS WHEAT. Mr. Kitchener (Waitaki) is asking the Minister of Agriculture if he will take into consideration at the earliest pos sible moment arrangements for the government purchase of all prime milling wheat of the 1921-22, harvest. Since the advent of the copious and welcome rainlt over tho whole wheat-growing area* of the South Island ths crop prospects have taken a decided turn for the better ” says tho'member. "There is every indication of a bounteous harvest, and the probability of a. two to three million bushel surplus. Also, as a great number of wheat growers have their finances bound un in the Government purchase of wheat and the arrangements for the same, an early intimation from him would bo universally welcomed in the. South Island." '■ PRICE OF SUGAR. The price of sugar is interesting members. Mr. A. Harris (AVaitemata) has given notice to ask the Minister of Industries and Commerce whether, in making nny further contract with the Colo-, nial Sugar-refining Company, Ltd., will take into consideration the fact that at present refined Java sugar is being freely quoted at .£34 10s. per ion c.i.f. THE WANGANUI RIVER. Mr. AV'. A. Veitch (Wanganui) is asking the Ministers "(1) Whether they will set up a conference of responsible officers of tho Forestry Department; the scenery preservation branch of the Lanas Department, and the Lands Department proper to investigate, and make recommend'ations as to the best means of preserving the bush on the watershed of the AVanganui River from tho pants of view of scenery preservation, .timber conservation, and the effect that denudation of bush is having'" on the Wanganui River as a public highway? (2) What lands are suitable.and available for afforestation, and the extent to which it is advisable to make preparation now for tree-planting by the immediate establishment of a nursery in the district.” MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS 1 . Mr. Mitchell (Wellington South) is asking the Minister of Public Works: (1) AVhether the promised survey of ths Rimutaka deviation, has been completed; and, if not, what is being done, and when Will it be completed; also when will be report bo ready? (2) Has the Government come to any decision about the route? . ..Mr. W. A. Veitch (Wanganui) is asking the Government whether they will this session provide the necessary finance to complete tho Parapara Road between AVangairui and Raetihi up to a standard that will make it passable for vehicular traffic all the year round? Sir John Luke (Wellington North) is asking the'Prime Minister whether the Government will favourably consider negotiating with the British (government for New Zealand’s share of tho reparations to be made by Germany to the British Empire to be used in reduction of the twenty-nine millions sterling loaned' by the British Government-to New Zealand for war purposes. "EARLY CONSIDERATION.” “I shall be pleased to> give this mutter ray early consideration," was the Ministerial remark quoted by Mr. G. Forbes (Hurunui) in tho course of u little protest about the failure of j,he Minister of Public Works io attend to various matters that the farming districts considered to be urgent. The member said that he seldom managed , to get any other reply to his representations. Would tho Minister say when ho would come to a decision regarding the works? The Minister: I am quite prepared to give that question my early consideration—especially if it is put bn the order paper. (Laughter.) Mr. Coates adde'd that the member appeared to be objecting to the acknowledgment of his communications. The points raised in the letters would bo very carefully coil’sidcred, and the decisions would I>l communicated to the honourable member.