PARLIAMENTARY.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1927, Page 1

PARLIAMENTARY.

THE COUNCIL-. SUMMER TLME BILL. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON. Sept. 21. In moving the second reading oi the Rummer Time Bill in the Legislative Council to-duy, the lion J. Barr said he did not intend to speak at length, as the measure had been debated fully on previous occasions.

The Hon Dr Collins said there seemed to he more reason for the introduction of daylight saving in Xew Zealand than at Home. People would not know the difference once the clocks had boon altered and the scheme would go automatically. Sir J. R. Sinclair fihl that though he was still opposed to the Bill it seemed to. him that the Council should now adopt the constitutional pieced i; re and pass the measure. The Hon. It. ‘Moore intimated that lie would move in committee for the insertion of exemption of dairy fann-

Rir Heaton Rhodes said he did not think the Cor Ml should any longer oppose the Bill, ■> a majority of people obviously wanted if. A similar attitude was taken up by the lions E. Newman and G. J. Garlami. both of v.’hmn had opposed the Bill last year. The lion VC Enrnsbaw declared that exemptions would spoil the. effect of the proposal. The Bill was read a .wend time on the voices. THE HOUSE. QUESTION--.

Ministers in reply to questions gave the following amongst other answer;!: That having regard to the cost of "vices and supplies it is not possible to make any appreciable reduction in the present charges for meals at railway refreshment rooms without iucurrii’i; a loss in this branch of the Department's activities, or reducing the quality and standard of meals. That it would not be possible to introduce legislation Ibis cession dealing with the question of travelling expenses and allowances that can be claimed by members of local bodies when attending meetings, hut inquiriv: are being made into the matter.

THE COUNCIL. READIER TIME BILL PASSED. WELLINGTON. Sept. 22. Tho Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Summer Time Bill was considered in Committee. Hon A 100 re moved an amendment io exempt dairy farmers from operation of the Bill. This was defeated by 21 to 9 and the Bill was passed. The Marriage Amendment Bill was also passed with an amendment requiring that nominees tor office as perform!rs of marriage to he of good character and proper qualification. The Council adjourned at 4.15 p.m. until next day.

THE HOUSE. The Minister of Finance laid on the table the report of the. Royal Commision on the customs tariff and practically the whole of tho afternoon was taken up with a debate on this

paper. At the evening sitting the Counties Amemimcnt Bill, feel Forest Amendment Bill and Noxious Weeds Amendmeat Bill were read a second time, the latter being referred to tlic Stock and Agricultural Committee. The House rose .at 1 n.m. till 2.30 p.m.

MR SIDEY'S TRIUMPH. I’A HU AMENT AB Y TRIBUTES. WELLINGTON, Sept. 22. To mark llie passing of the Summer Time Bill, tlio members of both branches of the Legislature were entertained by Mr Sidey at supper this evening, when felicitations were showered upon him on his achievement after so Vong and persistent efforts in the face of continued and determined opposition.

The Prime Minister, in proposing the toast of the host, said that all joined in admiration for the member for Dunedin South and congratulated him upon the success that had at last attended his effort in what might he termed his life’s work. Though he personally opposed the Bill, he recognised that it should have a fair spin, and it was a great tribute to Mr Sidey’s personal work and popularity that he had been able to overcome all opposition and see tlio Bill become law. It was now the duty of everyone to give the measure a fair chance in operation and Parliament would have the opportunity next year of saying whether the Act should become a permanent institution.

Sir Francis Bell. Leader of the Council ; Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of tlio Labour Party. Mr G. W. Forbes, Leader of tbe National Party, and the [[on. .T. Barr, who sponsored the Bill in the Legislative Council, also eulogised Mr Sidey’s work and congratulated him upon his success. In the course of his reply, Mr Sidey said that, although lie had carried the measure through, he could not claim to he in reality, the father of the daylight saving idea. Tn an interesting review, he said,' it had been first mooted by Mr G. V. Hudson, at that time Government Astronomer in 1893 Then in 1898, Mr 0. Teard, then a member of Parliament for one of Wellington’s seats, attempted to bring legislation forward. Air Sidey also mentioned tlio aid furnished him by Hon. Air Barr in the Upper House, and. in conclusion, asked that tlio operation of the act this summer be given a fair trial, and then he was certain that Parliament would next session make it permanent.

The proceedings throughout were exceedingly enthusiastic, and furnished striking evidence of the esteem in which tlio member for Dunedin South was bold bv all parties.