PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 22441, 11 September 1936, Page 14

PARLIAMENT

FARM LABOUR BILL PASSED [Per United Press Association’.] WELLINGTON, September 10. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Nelson Diocesan Trust Board Empowering Bill was introduced and read a first time. Mr Cullen asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the coronation of King Edward in May, 1937, it is the intention of the New Zealand Government to send a contingent representing all the units of the New Zealand forces that served overseas during the war to participate in the coronation celebrations. If so, would the Government give a subsidy towards the return fare to Britain to members of the New Zealand forces who gave their services to New Zealand in the war, so that they also might participate in tho coronation celebrations; also, would tho Government negotiate with the shipping companies with a view to obtaining a cheaper return fare to Britain, in order that a greater number of people might be able to attend the coronation ?

Mr Savage said the whole question of tho celebrations and all matters connected with tho coronation were at present under consideration by tho Government. It was hoped to make a public announcement at an early date. Mr Cotterill was granted two days’ leave of absence on account of urgent public business.

Urgency was accorded the passing of the Agricultural Workers’ Bill, which was considered in committee. Speaking on the Short Title, Mr Coates urged that the fruit industry should be brought within the scope of the Bill, as there was no industry that required greater protection than the export fruit industry. He believed the Government had power to bring the fruitgrowers under the Bill, but would it do so?

Mr _ Armstrong _ said other farmers, including orchardists, could be brought within tho scope of the Bill after the farmers, and the union, if any, had been consulted. He said no difference was made between male and female workers, though in the case of some female workers the underrate workers’ provision might apply. Regarding the question of accommodation, Mr Armstrong said the Government’s housing scheme contemplated assistance to farmers to provide houses on the farms for workers. Mr Smith said the Bill would only irritate the fanner, who would have to keep records, ft would .be of no value at all.

. Mr M'Dougall said if the dairy farmer had a methodical way of working there was no need for him to work more than nine hours a day. He claimed that men on the farms getting £2 10s a week and plenty of wholesome food would at the end of a year bo much better oft in cash than men on public works. Mr Leo said the whole argument of the Opposition was a plea for the mortgagee, to keep down conditions so that tho mortgages might be kept up. The better conditions were on a farm the bettor it would be for the farmer and his family. It might be worse for tho mortgagee, but if he (Mr Lee) had to choose between good conditions for the farmer and the mortgagee he would choose the farmer every time. Mr Hargest denied that the Opposition were making a plea-for the mortgagee. They, were as anxious as anybody else to get higher wages for the farm labourer. Mr Wilkinson said farm work was the most important work in the Dominion, and the wages for that work compared very unfavourably with those earned on public works. Mr Armstrong claimed that the wages provided in the Bill were a definite increase on what they were now receiving, so how could it be said the Bill would not benefit them? Interruptions were frequent, and at length the Chairman warned Mr Smith thafj if ho did not cease interjecting lie would name him. At 9.30 the closure was applied and tho Short Title was passed. The amendment by Mr Broadfoot with the purpose of keeping farm labour out of tho Arbitration Court was lost, and the committee stages were completed. The Bill was read a third time and passed. The Land and Income Tax Bill was introduced. Mr A ash explained that the Bill sot out the proposals that were provided in the Budget for income and land tax, with two minor amendments. Otherwise it was exactly the same as provided in the Budget. The Bill was read a lirst time and the House rose at 9.50 p.m. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL [Per; United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 10. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. Seven days’ leave of absence was "ranted to the Hon. L. M. Isitt on account of illness. Replying to the Hon. R. MjCallum, tho Leader of the Council, Mr Fagan, said that the Government would give consideration to the question of the erection of a memorial to Sir Joseph Ward. The Whakatane Paper Mills Ltd. Water Supply Empowering Bill was read a first time. The Council adjourned at 2.35 p.m.