JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1920, Page 1

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Opr Rarhaniontary Cprrpspupdent.) WELLINGTON, November 1. phosphates. The House of Representatives did little business of importance this afternoon. The Minister for Agriculture replying to ji question stated that if farmers erected plant for the treatment of phosphate from Nauru Island, they would receive a share of the supplies, but he could not give any guarantees as to deliveries ijptjl th e Shipping position became mpre certain. Ho believed that tlie outlook was good as far as phosphates were concerned. TUBERCULAR SOLDIERS. The Defence Committee presented a report regarding the treatment of tubercular soldiers. It indicated that tlie evidence produced by the Departments of these soldiers and for the protection of their interests were being made on a nenerous scale. RAILWAY DEVIATION. Most of the afternoon was spent discussing a petition asking for a railway deviation between Levin and Marton. This deviation would reduce by about seventeen miles, the railway journey between Auckland and Wellington. It would at the same time divert traffic from Palmorston North. Members took sides according to the interests of their districts. Several)members not immediately concerned, protested against the expenditure of money on any deviations at all until districts that lacked railways had been supplied. The report of the Committee recommending the petition for the consideration of Government was talked out, ahd is not likely to have another chance this session. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. The Legislative Council passed the Workers’ Compensation Amendment Bill after providing that tjie measure should come into operation in February pext ,instead of April Ist. It was staffc_. ed that the adjustments of industrial insurance policies made necessary by the increased raigs of compensation could be effected by the end of the year. ROTORUA TOWN FREEHOLD. The familiar freehold versus leasehold issue was thrashed out again in the House to-night. The Minister for Lands in moving the second reading of the Rotorua Town Lands Bill had nothing new to say. He emphasised that Rotorua ratepayers were going to pay full, presept value of the Government interest in the holdings. The policy of the Government was freehold, and he believed that the people of the country were with the Government on this point. Mr Sidev, speaking in the absence of the Leader of the Opposition, said that leaseholders on the opposition side of the House had already expressed thenstrong objection to the Bill on the ground that it proposed to part with ai very important national asset. He knew that the. voting strength was on the side of. the Government, and he intended to content himself With dividing the Iloupie.

The Leader of the Labour Party (Mr Holland) was more aggressive. He declared that his party intended to fight the Bill at every stage. He proceeded to pharge Government with sacrificing the interests of the people to the interests of a few freeholders. Many other members followed on one side or the other.

Mr Mqssey took the floor for a. few minutes -for the purpose of declaring that the policy of Government was definitely freehold, and of pointing out that even if. the State sold the right to collect vepf, it retained the unfettered right to collect taxes, resume land, and even to confiscate it. There was no such thing as absolute freehold in New Zealand.

The second reading motion was carried at one a.m. by 37 votes to 18. The House divded again a few minutes later on the chief Clause of the Bill, which was carried by 35 votes to 19. The Bill was passed, without further debate.