JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1920, Page 1

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) O'I'JRA TUNNEL. WELLINGTON, July 15. The Minister for Public Works told a Canterbury deputation that lie ex--pected Otira- Tunnel would lie ready for electrical equipment in six months. He hoped the tunnel would be ready for traffic in eighteen months, but; of course, any delay on the job would put back the wholo work. I KILLER. GORGE LINE. Mr Burnett (Teinuka) stated that Canterbury members considered the Boiler Gorge railway should take precedence over any other railway in the South Island. Ml' Forbes (Hurunui) disagreed. He could not consent to the Boiler Gorge line being placed ahead of the South Island Main Trunk. A brief argument on the point indicated that Canterbury members had considered the relative inqxirtance of the two lines and had been unable to reach an agreement . BILLS DISCUSSED. The Gaming Amendment Bill was introduced to-day, but it is not yet circulated. It deals with bookmakers and is understood to Be a drastic men sure. During Hie evening the House put the Revocation of Naturalisation Customs- amendment Bill thorough .ill stages. The second reading of the Registration of Aliens Bill gave use to some debate, several members protesting against the registration of British women .who married aliens. No amendment was made. The Marriage Amendment Bill was also advanced a stage. This Bill extends until eight p.m. the period within which a marriage may be solemnised, and validates the act of postmistresses who have been deputy-Registrars of Marriages. It appears that some doubt arose as to the status of these female deputy registrars. PRICE OF BUTTER. WELLINGTON, July 15. Hon. W. F l . Massey was asked in the House if he intended to keep the local price of butter. He stated that the present subsidy would cost £200,000 this year. When Government learned what New Zealand butter was going to bring in England next season they would consider the local position. He hoped Government would be .able to continue making butter available locally at a reasonable price, without injustice to the producer. DISAGREED WITH DECISION. Mr Holland gave notice of motion Jfisagijeeing with the ruling of the Speaker regarding bis motion'condemning British administration in Ireland. FORMATION OF UNIONS. The House spent most of the day on private members bills. Sir Win. Herries speaking on the Labour member’s proposals to authorise the formation of unions covering the whole of New Zealand, said that Government would oppose anything in the nature of ono big union scheme. Tins Government, as long as it hold the Treasury benches is going to govern, said Sir W. Herries, and it is not going to have any outside body dictating to it. Mr Holland—We will get rid of you some day. Sir Wm. Herries —Then the lion, gentleman will be the Government and he will not allow anybody to dictate to him. Labour members claimed that the bill merely simplified the procedure in connection with Dominion awards. The measure was referred to the Labour Bills Committee. A BILL OPPOSED. Mr Wright’s Maori War Medals Bill, proposing the granting of medals to men who served in the Maori wars with • out coming under fire, was given a second reading, after several members had opposed it.