JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1920, Page 2

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 3. MU WILEOiU). Hon. Wiit'ord said the Budget was disappointing. It lucked vision. Government had no plan for protecting producers from the operations of shipping rings. Government was neglecting to appoint commercial agents in the countries in which New Zealand could do business, particularly United States. The values of large incomes and deceased persons estates should bear the chief burden of extra taxation. The Liberal Party stood for these increases. The Customs tariff should have lieen amended this year in such a way as to relieve the burdens ol the people. This could have been possible if Government had summoned Parliament in February. He claimed that the Government had allowed the prices of sugar tt> rise unnecessarily. Who had made this bad bargain. Mr M ilford stated the Government financially was dragged at the heels of men aho controlled the Bank of New Zealand. He was watching with interest for the Bank of New Zealand Bill to see if it proposed to water the Bank’s stock. Mr Massey—The Bank gave 11s cheaper money than the Commonwealth Bank gave to Australia anyway. Mr TVilford ridiculed the Government’s naval policy. One or two second rate warships would he absolutely worthless for the defence. New Zealand could not afford first class ships and should depend on submarines and aircraft.

HON. NOSWORTHY. Hon. Nosworthy replied on behalf oi Government, He denied that M inistors had neglected the shipping question or development of markets. They had arranged for representatives ol shipping companies to meet a Committee of the House. The policy of the Liberals apparently was to increase land tax, income tax, ajid death duties. Ho believed that to go much further along these lines would he to reach the breaking point. Taxation was enormous already. Hon. Nosworthy insisted that Government had made a good bargain in buying sugar at less than the world’s market price. He thought, the time had come to cease subsidising flour and butter. The basis of the local price, as well as the export price, should he the actual market. Government was determined to proceed with a vigorous policy of development. He condemned unpatriotic attempts to interfere with immigration. The Dominion would ho better without disloyalists qf any sort. He would like to see men of similar views of both sides of the House join in the cause of loy- . aity and progress, The debate was adjourned after Mr Forbes (Hurunui) had spoken. MR HOLLAND CRITICISED.

The Legislative Council, anticipating a prolonged financial debate in the House has adjourned until next week. When the House met to-day, attention was drawn to a lecture delivered by Mr Holland (Chairman of the Labour Partyi in Auckland on Sunday on the Irish question. Mr Massey said he strongly disapproved of what Mr Holland was doing.

Mr Holland:—Have the people no rights? Mr -Massey.—l am not interfering with Hon Member’s rights. I think he is doing the wrong tiling. Mr Holland.—Wc]), I am goijTg to do it.

Air Massey repeated that he disapproved of utterances that tended to increase imperial difficulties. The' Empire must be kept together at any cost .md sacrifice. Mr Holland would find •nimsclf some day within the reach of the law.

Mr Holland replied that he intended to lecture, and could not be stopped.

ADVERSE REPORT. A Committee reported adversely ou a Bill introduced by Mr Harris (Waitemata) proposing that special ofii<*ers of the Magistrate’s Courts should undertake the collection of money under maintenance orders in order Mat wives and children might be properly protected. The Committee considered thp R.ili, as drafted, was unworkable. Several members urged Government to accept trie principie pi the Bill which was referred back to tj)p Committee. CRIMES AQT.

The Crimes Amendment Bill giving convicted criminals the right of appeal against sentences, on. filib grounds of undue severity, was amended to provide that on appeal sentences might be reduced, but not increased. The Bill was then passed. The Financial debate opened in the evening. hon McDonald ill. Hon MacDonald (Leader of the Opposition) has been granted leave of absence owing to illness, and could not speak. He has Had a fairly severe breakdown and will bo away for several j weeks. !

Mr Wilford opened the ’ debate as Actingj jpudep of tjip Opposition':