HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Evening Star, Issue 22452, 24 September 1936, Page 6

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MORTGAGE BILL PASSED [Teh United Press Association.] September 23. The House met at 3 p.m. Replying to a question by Mr Coates regarding the 40-hour week in the railway service, Mr Sullivan said that, of approximately 3,000 officers employed in the First Division, at least two-thirds are actually enjoying the 40-hour week or Jess. The same conditions will apply to the balance of the clerical staff as soon as circumstances permit. It was a question of getting sufficient trained men. Whether the Government was in any way connected with a project launched by an English company, Pacific Steel Ltd., for the establishment of steel works in New Zealand, was the subject _ of a question addressed to the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Sullivan) by Mr Barnes. The Minister replied that, according to the information of the Government, Pacific Steel Ltd. was a company incorporated in London, with share capital of £IOO, and the Government had no knowledge of a company of that title with capital of three million. Publications entitled ‘ A Steelworks for New Zealand ’ purported to give certain facts in regard to the Government’s interest in the proposals of the company which were definitely incorrect and misleading. “ Negotiations between the company and the Government have taken place,” said the Minister, “ and the company some months ago was informed that its proposals were not acceptable. In view of the magnitude of the steel industry a comprehensive investigation is required before the Government can finally decide in favour of its establishment. Investigation has been in progress for some time, but of necessity some time will elapse before it can be completed. Practically the whole afternoon was occupied by the presentation of the report of the Industries and Commerce Committee, which recommended that tlie report of the delegation which Rarotonga to investigate the fruit industry should be referred to

the Government for favourable consideration. Messrs Robertson, Holland, and Hunter spoke of conditions in _ the Mands as outlined in the delegation’s report. Mr Savage thanked the delegation for the interest they had shown in the matter. The problem was not a new one, and was practically a shipping matter. The delegation had done its work well, and its efforts would not be in vain. It was not only a matter of the Cook Islands, but of New Zealand, as New Zealand needed the fruit. The report was tabled. The Mortgagors’ and Lessees’ Rehabilitation Bill was given further consideration in committee. Dealing with the clause giving the court power to give priority to moneys advanced for farming operations, Mr Broadfoot-said it was a dangerous principle to force people into having second mortgages. He characterised the clause as a joy for the stock and station agents. Progress was reported to. enable the Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill to be introduced. After Mr Nash had explained its provisions the Bill was read a first time, and the House returned to the Mortgagors’ and Lessees’ Rehabilitation Bill. Dealing with the clause relating to the publication of lists of applicants for adjustment in the ‘ Gazette,’ .Mr Broadfoot said so few people read the ‘ Gazette ’ that the names should be published in the newspaper circulating in the district concerned. Mr Nash said publication in the ‘ Gazette ’ was designed to give the minimum of publicity to applicants, and publication in a newspaper would give too much publicity. The committee stages were completed, and the Bill was read a third time and passed. The House rose at 10.35 p.m.