THE RAILWAYS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 85, 7 October 1931, Page 8

THE RAILWAYS

TO-DAY'S DEBATE

"COMING EVENTS CAST—"

Indications that the debate on tho report of the Government Railways Board in respect of. lines under construction will not be without its lively moments were not wanting in the House of Representatives last night, when formal notice of his intention to move today that the recommendations of the board that work should be stopped on the lines between Wharanui and Parnassus, between Putorino and Wairoa, and between Tc Kuha and Inangahua, should be approved, was given by the Prime Minister (the Bight Hon. G. W. Forbes). The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. H. E. Holland) asked the Prime Minister what procedure he intended to follow in connection with the resolutions. Was it his intention to take all the lines together, or would the House have an opportunity. of voting upon them separately? The Prime Minister said it was intended that the House should go into committee on tho resolution, in. order that any amendments that might be moved could be dealt with as were tho clauses of a Bill —one by one. Mr. K. Semple (Labour, Wellington Bast): "What time are you going to allow for the debate?" Mr. Forbes: "There will be halfhour speeches on the motion to go into committee. I propose to ask for urgency, so that we will be able to deal with the whole problem immediately. I don't think lengthy speeches will be required." Mr. P. Eraser (Labour, Wellington Central): "Isn't this resolution banging and locking the door against the deputation which is coming from Marlborough to-morrow'?" "Not at all," said Mr. Forbes. Mr. H. T. Armstrong (Labour, Christchurch East): "Cabinet doesn't agree with these resolutions?" (Laughter.) Mr. Forbes: "Well, I am moving them. It's a question for the House to decide. There is no intention to gag the House in the slightest." Mr. Semple: "It will be a lengthy sitting, then." ■ Mr. Fraser: "Will you accept amendments?" Mr. Forbes: "That is for tho Chairman of Committees to say." The motions were set down as an Order of tho Day for to-day.