PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1921, Page 1

PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

SPECIAL TO UITARDIAX. NEAY TARIFF QUESTION. AYELLLNGTON. October 24. Mr Massey was asked ill the House 10-dny what was the policy behind the -new tariff. Ho replied that he could not give any details, tint if the lionounibli* Oentloman wants to know the policy, we are out for revenue, ho tuklrd emphatically. HALF MILLION* LOAN. Another questiril put to Air Massey had reference to the half-million loan recently mentioned hy him. lie said this money was not intended for naval defence. It was for public winks and general development purposes. Mihail not heard that the money had vc-t ben raised but bad no doubt it would become available. GRADING MEAT.

The question of grading meat for export was raised by Mr Glenn (Rangitikeii who aslu-d. for an opportunity for discussion. Air Afiisso.v suggost'-d the question should he referred to til* -stock Committee, which could take evidence and report to the House. AYhen the report was presented, members would have an oppoi tnnitv for a general discussion. He was well nwaiy. that the reputation of New /calami meat had suffered through the sale in London of deteriorated meat, that had been held for two or throe years in store, but be did not think much of the old meat was left now. lie had cabled for information on the point. Dr Thacker—Give the old meat away to the starving jH-iiples of Europe. Air Massey H is not ours, but it lias all been bought and paid for. Mr AA'ilfon] (Leader of tile Opposition' suggested that the Government should arrange for the establishment of soecial shops for the sale for New Xr)aland produce in .London. This would lie a splendid advertisement.

Mr Massey replied that he had already asked the High Commissioner to display a list of shops that handled New /inland meat produce, lie had suggested since liis return that a Board lie established. ic|u i-sent at ive of producers. the Government and business, men. and that this board should be even fuclitb-s for marketing Ns'" /calami produce in London. Ml Forlic*—Will you give them any pow*r p

Mr Massey I "ill give tln-in any power the, want. Afake no mistake about that. I am anxious to <|o (labest tiling for 1 1 1 is eoimlrv. The IVimo Minister added tli.-U he had been considering this matter I'm some time. A.AI ENDING BILL. The Industrial Concilia lion and Arhfl.ratioli Amendment Bill providing against a recurrence of the recent dillieiilty oil the Arbitration Court, lias been returned from the l.abour Bills Committee without amendments. babbit bill.

The Rabbit Nuisance Amendment Bill, which limits the arbitrary powers formerly possessed by rabbit, inspectors was passed by the Mouse, this afternoon alter a brief discussion. The .Minister for Agriculture emphisistod that h,. was in earnest about lighting the rabbit post. Fanners were not to lie liable in future to Is' lined, on Llic msii’e statement, ol inspectors regardless of other evidence, but the Department intended to enforce, tlm law. Till - . COAI. sri’Pl.Y. Mr Holland suggested in the House to-day that in order to keep the coal miners in work, the Government should take over the output of X>w Zealand mines just as it was taking over tlm wheat crop. Mi Massey did not favour tlm idea, lb' was sorry it had been necessary In import coal, but the conditions were generally understood. It had not. been possible to obtain adequate supplies locally. The routine), for Welsh coal had about six months to run. Government would take local coal as soon as possible.

LOCAL HOI)IKS LOANS WvI.I.ING TON'. 0,1. 2fL Tlw Local Bodies Loans Hill gave rise to an animated discussion ill the I louse. This hill nrovides |or placing the Moating liabilities of local bodies on a porinanetit footing, bv a loan. It limits figure borrowings, restricts bank overdrafts and prohibits local bodies from taking money on deposit, 'flic speeches revealed considered opposition to the bill. Members considered (bat Government was interfering too drastically with the finances of local bodies, which one,) their present, trouble to the general financial stringency and mil !#> ally fault of their own. Borough and County Councils were directlv responsible to the people and could be trusted to manage their own affairs. 'l'll,, other side of the ease was picsented by members who argued Mint Government, was entitled to demand Hint local bodies should live within their means. The Minister consent e,| to refer the Hill to a committee in order that evidence might In; taken. DAYLIGHT BAKING. ‘flic .Minister for Labour mentioned in the House Lh.it he intended to bring down legislation providing for daylight baking. He understood linkers were prepared to make the experiment.