PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1921, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) FOOD PRICES. WELLINGTON, Oct 7. The fact that bacon is costing Is 8d per pound, while farmers are getting 7d to Od for pork, was, mentioned in the House by Mr Poland (OhineiiWu) who thought the apparent disparity ought to engage the attention of the Board of Trade. Hon Loo promised that the Board of Trade would make inquiry. Mr Witty (Hiecarton) then mentioned the price of other breakfast staples. He said that the price of oats had fallen until farmers were getting scarcely anything, but the price of oatmeal had not changed. The Minister again promised that the Board would inquire.

RACING COMMISSION. WELLINGTON, October 7. | Sir George Hunter asked in the House to-day, when the Order-in-Coun-cil niviiiß effect to the recommendations of "the Racing Commission would he brought before the House, Mr Massey replied that the House , would have an opportunity to discuss the matter at an early date. He would make a statement to the House on Tuesday or Wednesday. Government would give every opportunity for the . discussion of the proposals. __ ! A meeting of member* called by Sir G Hunter to consider the report, had |men held earlier in the day and had failed to reach any agreement. It is fairly clear that the matter will have to he fought out on the floor of the House. vrCKI.AND K\ST VACANT!. The Loader of the Opposition (Hon. I. Wilford) has 1-ft hr 'ucklaml and was granted leave tit absence to-dat ‘in “urgent |>ul>lic 'l»usiiH’Rs. ‘That reminds- me.” said Mr Mas,o7. when lcove had heeti granted. ‘That I l-'opose to move for'the issue •f a writ for Auckland East on Tuesday next." Me explained that the writ vould he issued a few days later. I!KEF AND METTON A cablegram reporting an interview with Mr Kidman, the Australian Tllle* King, was mentioned in the louse to-day. Mr Kidman predicted a bad market for meat and referred to die delay in unloading New Zealand lamb in llritain. llr Massey said lie ould not disagree with Mr Kidman. As far as lieel was concerned, the posi:ion would probably improve, when all .he commandeered beef was disposed of nit he could not express any opinion .hat would lead New Zealand pastoralists to think that we vould compete successfully with Argentine in beef for ome considerable time, though we ■ould eouijiete in mutton and lamb. He md discussed the handling of N.Z. meat vitli the Port of London authorities j and shipping companies in England, md had received assurances that they vould do everything possible to avoid lelays ill future. Mr Lysnar (Gisborne) —There are bit ty New Zealand ships waiting now. Mr M assev—Hut not with meat

ihoard. Mr Lysnar—Yes. most of them. RUBRIC WORKS STATEMENT. Mr Hamilton (Awarua) asked when -lie Public- Works Statement would nine down. l[e said the matter was particularly important. The late start if the session meant that local bodies could have very little time to spend heir grants. The Minister replied that the Statenent was Inting prepared and there would lie no unnecessary delays. He ould not give an exact date. Mr Masters (Stratford)—lt makes a lot of difference to local bodies. Hon. Coates—Yes, and it makes a 'ot of difference to members of Parliament. because as soon as the Estimates are down, they clear off, and that is the last we see of them. (Laughter). NEW TARIFF. Mr MasseT told the House that the new tariff would appear with the Financial Statement. He indicated that it would not reach the House for a veok or two vet. DOWN TO BUSINESS. WELLINGTON, Oct, 8 When meiillier.s readied the lirst bib of the session, the Animals Protection and Game Dill they got to work with great energy. They took this hill and three other hills. Maintenance Orders Hill, the Ranking Amendment Hill and Anzac Day Amendment Dill through the second reading stage and were ready at 9.15 p.m. to proceed with the Local Hodies Loans Amendment Hill, hut apparently the Governemnt was not readv. CABINET NOT READY. The Prime Minister after a moment's consultation with the Minister for In ternal Affairs told members they ■! :. done very well, and he thought they had earned their week-end rest. I they worked as quickly in future they would have no difficulty in getting through all business of the session by Christmas. “Which Christmas.” enquired a pessimistic member, who doubtless had a mental vision of the mountaiu of legislative work that lies ahead of the House. ANZAC DAY AMENDMENT. Explaining Anzac Day Dill, Hon Downie Stewart said he was not committed definitely to the proposal to declare Anzac Day the same in all respects as a Sunday, and he wanted the defence committee which included all returned members of the House, to enquire into the matter, and if necessary take evidence. He was advised the Bill, as drafted, would not prevent the publication of newspapers on Anzac Day, but it might interfere with sales and might require double wages t<> bo paid in some trades.