Members' Question

Horowhenua Chronicle, 2 August 1915, Page 3

Members' Question

! AISD MLMSTMto' IMPLIES. i Mr Myers to ask the Prime AiTniste Whether, in view of the passing ol tl National Registration JLfill jin Groa Britain, and the statement in tl House of Lords by the tJUarqiitis of Lan downo (Minister without portfolio ; the National Cabinet) that tho Uriti; Government would be pleased t tl Dominions thought fit to follow Uri ain in this matter, tho Now Zealau Government will take into their : n mediate consideration the advisabilii of introducing a Bill providing for tl: registration of our national resource (1) by making provision for tho con pulsory registration of all men betwee the ages of fifteen and sixty-five, asl j ing particulars as to age and presell employment, and ascertaining fro; thoso who are de&iroHK of voluntaril offering their services what special ton ol labour is desired other than that : - which they are at present engaged and (2) by making provision for a rogiter of the industrial, commercial, an agricultural resources of New Zealand showing what industries have been a~i Feeted by enlistments in the Expedit ionary Force, and containing, inter aifa (a) the number of men engaged in eac 1 occupation, (b) the fewest number « men required generally to carry on o , ' primary and other industries, and (c the estimated number who could be re leased for service in directions Avhicl would assist the Imperial Governmcn in the successful prosecution of oui Empire's share in the war without in terfering in any way with the pro duction of our national food-supplie: and industries, or impairing the pi ficient conduct of the Dominion's tradt and commerce? The Right Hon, Mr Massey (Prime Minister) replied, Tlio Government h-v noticed what has been done in Brit nin and what is now being clono in Australia with regard to national registration, and though there is not yet the same necessity for a similar measure in New Zealand the matter is receiving the earnest consideration of tho Government, and will bo dealt with belore the session comes to an end.

EGGS. .Mr Hornsby to ask the Minister 01 Agriculture, wliother he will consider tile advisability of causing all imported shipments of eggs to be sold as .in imported article,? [Note.—-L-arge shipments of eggs from Vancouver are being sold along with the locally produced article without any distinguishing mark. If eggs so imported were offered to the public as from the port of shipment, no unfair advantage cojM be taken of the consumer, and an injustice to Now Zealand producers would be prevented.] The Bight Hon. Mr Massoy (Minister of Agriculture) replied. This matter is being looked into. It will, perhaps, be found practicable to take action under the Sale of rood and I)r igs Act so as to prevent imported eggs being sold without disclosing their origin. Mr Harris to ask the Prime Minister. Whether, with a view to saving he poultry industry, which is threatened with extermination as a result of the abnormally high price of fowl-feed, he will endeavour to purchase troni abroad fowl-wheat for distribution among ihe poultry-keepers of the Dominion, upon similar lines to the milling-wheat which was recently imported by the GovenmeiiL on bohaii or the Hour-muler,;' L>.oce.—i am informed that the Au->-irauau Government have imported towiwheat- at os lUd per bushel, whereas tnu local market price is upwards ol as per bushel.J The l'ight Hon, Mr ALassey replied, I The mat tor has been, and will be, caro- [ iully watched; and, if any opportunity arises for the Government to obtain at suitable prices supplies of fowlwLeat that are not available to moi chants, the necessary action will ;/o taken. Mr Harris to *usk the Minister of Agriculture, Whether ho will see that .'u future all eggs imported into Now Zealand are branded its such before being offered to the public for sale? |Moso. —1 am informed by the Auck'aud Poultry-keepers' Association That huge quantities of chilled eggs are being sold as "guaranteed frej't." This is having a serious effect upon the poultry industry, and protection is asked for.] The Right Hon. Mr. Massey implied. The question of whether achvi in the desired direction can be ta.ien under the Sale of Food ami Drugs Act is being looked* into, 'the matter will be carefully considered. COMMISSIONS.