PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1927, Page 1

PARLIAMENT

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) THE COUNCIL. WELLINGTON, July 22. The Legislative Council met at 2.31/ p.m. After sitting for only six minutes they adjourned till 2.30 p.m. on Friday. THE HOUSE. The House met at 2.30 p.m. After a debate last practically the whole afternoon, the Agricultural Bank Bill was introduced hv Air Veitch and was read a first time. At 7.30 Air Howard moved the second reading of the AVorkers’ Compensation Amendment Bill'. A question was raised whether or not the Bill was an appropriation hill, but the Speaker ruled its second reading could be debated, and the question of appropriation could he raised at the committee stage. The debate then continued till 12.10 a.in. which was suggestive that the discussion was prolonged to block the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill, which was llie next on the order paper. The second reading was agreed to on the voices and tho House rose at 12.35 a.m. till 2.30 p.m.

THREE ABSENTEES. CAUTION URGED ON AHNTSTERS. WELLINGTON, July 20. At a Government caucus to-day there wore three notable absentees. Alessrs Rotter (Roskill), Harris (AVaitemata) and Glenn (Rnngitikci), which supports the impression that they deliberately kept away in order to demonstrate clearly an attitude of independence in line with their statements in Parliament. It is reported tlmt tlio rank and file of the party, while easy in mind over the opposition in tho House, showed some concern over the general political posi--4 ion. They realise that any Government in time of depression loses some of its original popularity, but it was suggested to Atinisters that a special effort will have to be made to counteract adverse influences in the country. Some of the Government's legislative proposals were discussed at great length and indications from the party were that it would go much further with amendment of the Arbitration Act than the Afinister of Labour would personally favour. Consequently the introduction of ibis Bill during tho present session will he a matter of considerable importance.

Opinions were freely expressed regarding tariff changes, with a view to inducing .Ministers to act with Abe utmost caution in connection with adjustments of taxation. No reference was made to the Licensing Bill and the impression in the lobbies is that the Prime Minister is taking tin's personally in hand, and determined to keep his own counsel. It j s not likel.V to make an early appearance.

PLAIN TALK FROAI THE AlIN] STEP. ' K XTR AOR DIN.-VRV DEAIA X DS. AV ELLINGTON. July 20. Whenever the opportunity arises members of the House oi Representatives clamour for a larger share of State -Advances in tho interests of their constituents. To-day (being question day gave an opportunity loi harrying ihe Government on ibis subject.

Tlio complaints made that the pursestrings wore not being sufficiently unloosed drew n pertinent reply from tho lion. Mr Downio Stewart. Mimsior for Finance, lie said it was impossible for this country to go an annually borrowing twice the amount it was borrowing now. It would have to borrow twice the present annual amount if the (government was to be the only house builder lor the workers, and the only financier for Ibe farmers. He could not sec that tbe Government would be justified in undertaking the whole responsibility it would have to find someone else other than himself to net. as Minister for Finance. He admitted that there was enormous pressure from both sides of the House by members, in the interests of their constituents, but he could assure them that there was no discrimination in dealing with the applications and that be received as many complaints from one side of the Mouse as from ' the other. As to

what cliiineo there was of lurtlicr money, lie lnnl already nuuje it clear Unit the Treasury was on. the point ol issuing a prospectus in respect ol a hand issue under the Rural Ad\aliens scheme. If the bonds were found to he a. successful means'of raising money for farmers, there would he far more money available tor housing. The suggestion had been made that tbe rate of interest on Government del)ntures should he raised in order to draw inonev into Government investments. He did not. however, favour this until it could he seen whether the issue of bonds under the rural credits scheme was n success. If the rate nil Government debentures was raised nt this juncture, and the issue of bonds was not a success, the farmers Vuight Complain that the Government had spoilt the issue ol rural bauds, in view of the proposed issue of bonds lie had not iolt justified in informing applicants for loans for housing that there was no hope of their applications being considered I for an indefinite term. He had suggested to Cabinet some time ago that a notice to applicants should he issued explaining 'how long they must wait, hut as the rural bonds would be (tested soon, if was thought better to wait and see if that relieved the position. It was hoped to proceed with the issue of the bonds almost immediately. The prospectus was drawn up. and be was discussing the exact terms on which the market should be tried.