SESSION’S PROGRESS

Evening Star, Issue 24330, 20 October 1942, Page 6

SESSION’S PROGRESS

FIVE BILLS PASSED (Special.) WELLINGTON, October 20. Five Bills were passed by the House of Representatives yesterday. They were the Finance Bill’No. 2, the National Provident Fund Amendment Bill, two washing-up measures (the Local Legislation Bill and the Native Purposes Bill), and the Homewood Trust Bill. The main purpose of the National Provident Fund Amendment Bill is to remedy defects in the administration of the National Provident Fund. One of its clauses provides that employees do not have to pay an extra contribution to the fund because they receive a cost-of-living bonus, unless tfiey wish to pay the extra amount. The Homewood Trust Bill makes provision for the working of the trust board which is to administer the estate at Te Puke given by Mr George Alley for the benefit of ex-servicemen. The debate on the Finance Bill was resumed. Among, subjects raised during the discussion were land settlement for returned servicemen, and refunds of medical fees from the Social Security Fund, with particular reference to specialist services. Early in the afternoon proceedings the Prime Minister indicated that he doubted now whether the debate on man power could be taken in open session. He said that since he made his previous statement the position in the Pacific had altered considerably. He also said he had in view the possibility of holding a secret session on Thursday evening or perhaps earlier. The Statutes Amendment 'Bill, dealing with a variety of subjects, was introduced during the evening sitting, and was referred to the 1 Statutes Revision Committee.

Before the House adjourned, the Fair Rents Amendment Bill, which has important clauses with wide application, was introduced. The Prime Minister said it had been intended to bring down a building construction Bill to control building construction in respect to possible earthquake damage, but as it had been referred to the local bodies it would be impossible to bring it down until the December sitting. The House adjourned at 10.30 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. to-day.