JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1920, Page 1

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) SAMOAN AFFAIRS. MORE CHINESE NEEDED. WELLINGTON, July 29 Hun. IC. P. Lee made a statement in the House to-night regarding the Samoan affairs. He surveyed the evidence gathered by the Parliamentary Party and insisted that imported labour vas csenstial for the maintenance of the plantations and for the protection oi the native plantations from destruction hv the beetle. Five hundred additional Chinese coolies were now on their way to Samoa. The policy of the Government was to provide the plantations with sufficient Chinese labour under proper control. The debate was adjourned. WAR REGULATIONS DISCUSSED. The War Regulations Continuance Bill was read a second time pro forma, and referred to tlie Statutes Revision Committee after the Labour members had indicated they would oppose the maintenance of the anti-strike clauses which they considered had been purely war measures. UNDESIRABLE IMMIGRATION• Mr Seddoii (Westland) asked in the House if legislation will he introduced this session to cope with tlie grave menace to the Dominion in tlie alarmingly increasing rate of immigration of Hindus and Chinese, and whether prompt action will he taken as all returned soldiers are not yet repatriated, and the first contingent of British ex-service men and women have not .vet started for the Dominion. Sir W. Kerries replied that legislation is in course of preparation, and is to he brought down this session to further the restriction and the handling of Hindus and Chinese. REGULATING' MOTOR TRAFFIC.

Replying to Mr Seddon who asked ,if in view of the number of accidents caused to pedestrians by motorists, legislation will be introduced this session to regulate motor traffic through the Dominion. Hon. G. J. Anderson replied that it is hoped to deal with tlie question during the present session. GAMING ACT AMENDMENTS. Tbc Legislative Council took the second reading of the Gaming Bill to-day. Tlie committee stage will come to-mor-row and several Councillors have given notice of amendments. THE NEW LOAN.

Rt Hon W. F. Massey stated in the House that he did not expect to raise the new loan before November. He could not state yet wliat the terms would be.

Hon I). H. Guthrie replying to _ a question stated that the half million provided recently for soldiers’ settlement had been more than covered by committments, but the Department could carry on pending grants, because some of the advances authorised had not yet come to charge. No soldier s had been refused assistance on account of lack of funds.