PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1921, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS

SI’KCIAP TO GUARDIAN. DEBATE CONTINUES. WELLINGTON, Nov. 11l The rejection of Mr Wilford’s want of confidence motion did not end the financial debate which was continued tiiis afternoon. The most interesting speech before the dinner adjournment was made by Mr Hamm < Invercargill) ivlm predicted that the financial position would he worse next year, than it was tiiis year. The people had tint yet realised the need for personal economy. They were clinging to the s|H*nditig habits acquired during tlx* fat years, lie urged the Prime Minister to he frank with the people about the finan-

cial position. Mr Massey—Nothing will he held hack. You can he sure of that.

Mr llamin prophesied that there would he industrial trouble shortly, owing to the necessity for tfdjustiug labour costs. He Illumed the Government for giving the rebate oil land tax just at tlx* lime when the tax seemed likely to force the sub-division of large estates. Mr Sykes <Masterton) —Men cannot sell their land. Mr Massey—One fairly large landowner said to me recently, take over lay liabilities’'and you call have my land.

-Mr Hamm insisted thill the rebate benefited chiefly the people who had made the big war profits. BANKERS HOLD UP. Mr Massey told the Mouse that he had interviewed the hanking authorities and wool brokers regarding the dispute that luul led to the postponement of the wool sales. The representatives of the associated Banks were meeting that afternoon and he hoped for a settlement.

It is reported this evening that the Banks have maintained their attitude, and that no settlement is in sight yet. WORKING LEISURELY. WELLINGTON, Nov. 17 Parliament- is doing its work in a very leisurely fashion and its chance ot finishing before Christmas seems almost to have disapireared. The Legislative Council met for a few minutes to-day and then adjourned until Friday. The House continued the debate on tlx* Financial Statement and through the afternoon and evening listened to speeches made chiefly by the lesser lights of tlu* parties. The debate hail not been completed when the Mouse rose. The end is likely to be completed to-day. Mr Massey will he the last speaker and it is indicated that he will make an important speech dealing with retrenchment anil other matters. The House may make a start with the tariff on Friday.