POLITICAL JOTTINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1926, Page 1

POLITICAL JOTTINGS

WELLINGTON, July 1, OIL-BEADING COUNTRY. It was mentioned by the Prime Minister during a brief discussion of the Mines Act Consolidation Bill in the House to-day that the Minister of Mines will introduce new clauses covering the question of rights to explore for oil in New Zealand. Difficulty was experienced under the present law regarding these rights, and it was found very expensive and cumbersome for those who wished to make contracts with owners of oil-bearing country. The clauses would simplify procedure and save expense to owners, who would he able to make satisfactory arrangements without heavy legal expenses. It would give the Government tho right to act for them and make a simple contract for the area. Some of these areas were as small as half an acre, and the expense of making legal contracts under present circumstances was so high as to deter persons who wished to exploit them. It was necessary to encourage capital to be used for exploring for oil. Any action taken by tbe Government would be with the consent of the land-owner.” PROTECTION FOR NEW ZEALAND TIMBER.

Sir Joseph Ward spoke strongly in favour of higher duties on imported timber during his Addrcss-in-Reply speech. Ho made contrasts between conditions in the United States, Canada and New Zealand to show that in several important respects the local industry was handicapped. Royalty on timber in the United States and Canada was Cd to Is 6(1, but in New Zealand the Government was extracting 2s to os from tho millers. There,'were mills shut down in New Zealand because of the enormous import of timber. Wages in Now Zealand were much higher than in countries from which this timber came. Timber was carried from the United States and Canada at the same rate as New Zealand timber was caried from Ohnkune to Wellington. The latter freight was os 9d per 100 ft, and timber was frequently brought from America at 3s 6d per 100 feet. Rail freight from Orcpuki £o Dunedin was 5s 6d per 100 ft for 182 miles, while the distance across the Pacific was 5681 miles. Now Zealand’s rate of duty .was so low that it gave no protection for the local industry.

THE INTELLIGENT’ COW. i “ When I go back from this House I shall have to milk fifty cows night and morning, as I have done before,” said Mr Waite, member for Chitlin, “and 1 don’t know that I wouldn’t prefer to be associated with the ” “Cows!” cut,in a Labour member. (Much laughter.) “ Well, anyway, with those inteliigent animals that 1 have to work with on the farm,” contended Air Waite. Some people were apt to be amused when farmers came into Parliament with tlieir uncouth manners and unable to express themselves properly but bo did know that lie was happier there than in the company of people throwing dust in the eyes of the farmers. Sir Joseph Ward objected to being placed oil the level of a cow. He had heard much laughter when the honourable member ascended those heights, and be bad to confess than lie didn t quite know what they were laughing at. If we were going to bring individuals down to the level of cows we should have an election and give the

cows a vote. BALANCING THE PARTIES. hi setting up select committees for the session the Government had followed tho time-honoured custom ot making them reflect the balance of the parties. This has resulted in committees of ten members being comprised of six Government representatives, including a Minister, two Labourites and two Nationalists. A variation was made in tho ease of the Finance Committee, where there is only one Nationalist, Air Sidey, the second place being taken by Sir Joseph "Ward. No objection was made by tbe Opposition to this arrangement alien the personnel was approved by the House.