PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1921, Page 1

PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

SPECIAI, TO GUARDIAN*. FINANCIAL DEBATE. WELLINGTON, Nov. 9. The debate on the Financial Siaßment was opened in the House tlii: evening. The Leader of the Oppositioi assailed the Government vigorously. Hi described the statement as barren of policy and charged Ministers with failing to effect the necessary i edm-limi.-in public expenditure. He moved, lielore he sat down, that in the ophiion of this House the absence of any pnlh.i in the Financial Statement togetlie, with lack of appreciation of industrii necessities of the Dominion display. : by Hie tariff proposals, proclaim Go comment to lie without any adeipiaf. realisation of the needs of the present day. 'llio Minister for Education f.Mi I’arr) replied. “The tariff is frankly « revenue t.u iff.” -aid the Minister, “it will not seit gentlemen who want high protection in this country. It has net altvmptrd to suit them. It hit- luxuries ~r non mics.-aries in the atlrmpi to eel revenue. 1 11 ■ 1 it does pot a fleet the cost of living. Retelling to rei l elli lillicol . he -aid. tile pi ppe-rd bonus paid io civil servants on aecoid of Die illl-rca-ed cost of living. .Members of Economy Commission had eiun lll eudei[ that then- should hr provision for ,1 reduction of the last bonus ot Col), ft was proposed that this bonus should be decreased pro rata to conform with the decline in the cost of Briny.

WELLINGTON. Nov. 9 REBATE OF If) PER CENT. The Land Tax Amendment Bill allowing ten per cent rehate for prompt payment of land tax was passed hv the Legislative Council this afternoon and is now effective. SAMOAN PETITION. Mr Massey told the House that a IH'lition from Samoan chiefs asking for the transfer of the mandate Irom New Zealand to Britain, had been referred to the King, fn reply, his Majesty has commanded that Samoans are tu.be assured of his great love for them and of his earnest desire that they may live m peace and happiness undo; hi- pri- ; ’e: lion. They are to tie inhumed that the mandate given to N-w Zealand by I the League of Nations cnnnot be altered by the British Government, or tile New Zealand Government, and that it is the King’s wish that Samoa should co-operate wilh and assist, the administration appointed hy the New Zealand Government to govern the Island. ELECTORAL BOENDAR 1 ES. The Prime Minister stated lie did not know if the South Island boundary commissioners had finished their work. He had heard a iinnoiir that the Soittli Island would lose one seat and the North island gain one scat, in the adjustment of boundaries. NEW BILLS. The Death Duties Amendmenl Bill introduced to-day, is a consolidating measure. It makes no substantial change in the law. The Native Trustee Amendment Bill is a machinery hill giving administrative powers to the Native Trustee. (.filestions put lo Ministers during tile last fortnight were given printed answers in the House to-day. AMALGAMATION. The Brinie Minister staled that the amalgamation of the Government Life, Eire, and Accident Insurance Departments, with a view to economy, was under consideration. COST OF CHAFF. 'Pile .Minister IV.r Industries and Commerce staled that the charge of W 9 Ids per ton in Ainkiund fie ihalf that cost LM one truck in Invercargill was not unreasonable. Freight cost L'2 1 Is per ton. sacks 18s pci ton, and other charges brought the cost in Auckland to L'S 17s. BBOl’li I ETA B Y CLUBS. The Minister lot Internal Affairs stated Government was considering the position of certain Baring and 'Plotting Clubs, reported hy the Baling Commission to he proprietary club*. I FARMERS BANKS. Mr .Massey stated that lie bail eol- , letted information legarding tanners a..rin l l l ural hanks in Denmaik and pro postal to place ii hetore Parliament during the session. 1 WOOL CLIP PROFITS. It was unlikely that the litpiida I ion 1 ol 1918-19 and 1919-20 wool clips would : leave any profits for New Z’onland farmers. N.Z. BUTTER. > Hon Nosworlliv said it was line Cat : manv Loudon merchants used New Zealand butler for blending wi'h other buiter, and also for blending with mar- i garine. A dairy company could not emit ml its butter after its sale in London. The producers were endeavour- I ing to preserve the indent ity ot llieii butter in Britain and Government was ( prepared to assist.. D recognised the t importance of securing the best price t possible for New Zealand butter and i enhancing its reputation with British consumers.