JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1920, Page 4

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

A COMPLEX MEASURE. WELLINGTON, August 17

TJie Statutes Repeal ail'd Expiring Laws Amendment and Continuance Bill which occupied the Clouse to-night is a complex measure dealing with a mass of rather strangely assorted subjects. It contains clauses referring, for example, to Samoa, mine winches, agricultural machinery, Government debentures, and rent restriction. The question of issuing debentures free of income tax was discussed to-night on this bill, and Mr Massey gave a definite assurance that Government would not not borrow any more money with exemption from taxation. Then there was a lengthy debate regarding the clause [imposing to amend the definition of discharged soldiers in regard to protection from eviction, to cover only men who actually went overseas. The hardships suffered by both tenants and landlords were ventilated. Ministers stated that an effort to improve law relating to evictions and rent restriction would bo made in the Housing Bill later in session. Tho new definition of discharged soldier was retained. RAISING LOANS.

“It has been said that we have little prospect of raising loans at 5 per cent or 5.) por cent free of income tax,’’ said Mr Massey in the House, “Let me toll members that since the House met we have raised some hundreds of thousands of pounds from outside at five per cent, without any freedom from income tax.’’

Mr Massey’s reference to “outside” must mean outside of the Government Department. He said at another time that it was the intention of Government to move to increase the maximum rate of interest when the Loan Bill came down. It is understood that Mr Massey hopes to raise his loan in November at 5} per cent, without exemption from income tax.