JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1920, Page 2

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.;, BILLS PASSED. WELLINGTON, October 7. The Offenders Probation Bill and W'efiftport Harbour Bill were passed bv . the House after a brief discussion.. Th c proposed Government control of Westport Harbour was justified by Mr Massey on the ground that this was really a national port devoted almost entirely to the handling of coal. He promised that local interests would have consideration.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BILL. Mr Massey moved the second reading of the Legislative Council Amendment Bill this evening. This Bill which originated in the Council .proposes to postpone further the operation of the Legislative Council act making the Upper House elective on a proportional representation basis. Mr Massey said members would remember that when the Act was passed in 1914, he promised that another opportunity would be given for consideration before it came into operation. The Avar and other events had delayed that opportunity. He felt that proper atteni tion could not be green to the matter this session and as the Act Avas at present timed tk> become operative ii\ January next, the postponement Avas necessary. He had not changed his mind regarding the principles of the Act but amendments at some points might be desirable. The matter Avould have to be dealt Avith finally next year. He thought the Council Avas more popular' now than it had been in .past years. Mr Massey chose his words carefully ; but he left the House with the impression that he did not like the Act as much as Avhen he put it through the House six years ago. This impression Avas reflected in the debate that followed. Some Opposition and Labour mieimbers suggested that after eight years in office, Mr Massey was no longer anxious to abolish the nominative system. Some champions of proportions] representation gave vigorous support to the system, but the tone of the debate generally indicated 'that members have not been favourably impressed by the results of system in Australia. The Bill AA-as passed. COAL SUPPLY. Referring to the coal situation, Mr Massey said Government had been able to buy a considerable quantity of coal in Australia. Tills coal Avas mined ready for shipment and plenty of ships Ave/re available. The trouble Avas to get it leaded. Australians Avatersiders had refused to-work OA r ertime for NeAv Zealand boats ' and they declined to Avork at all after four o’clock in the afternoon. They had also announced that after the end of ths month they Avould 'refuse to load Japanese ships Avith coal for Ncav Zealand.'