THE LATE SESSION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1927, Page 2

THE LATE SESSION

MB SEDDON INTERVIEWED. “It was the longest session on recon!,” said Mr Seddon. M.l*.. in the course of an interview, "and after tho late hours and arduous work I am looking forward to a short respite at home before travel ling through the electorate. We met in June and finished in December, a record indeed. No doubt some of the time could have been saved but on the bigger questions which came up for consideration it was inevitable that there would be protracted debate and discussion. For instance a revision of a tariff meant countless deputations and close study of the effect the proposals of the government would have upon local industries. The tariff was made increasingly favourable to Great Britain tor Far ! Dominion in proportion to Us population is Groat Britain’s gicutest customer. Although preferential treatment was so markedly made in favour of Great Britain every consideration was shown to protecting our own industries. For instancee protection for our local gold dredging was one of concern to me, and without prejudicing the claims of Dominion foundries 1 am sure the tariff as it stands will not militate against the encouragement of dredging on the Coast, if machinery cannot be made in New Zealand—and the Minister’s decision whether it can or cannot be made locally is final—then preference is shown to machinery to be imported from Great Britain. The Minister of Customs took infinite pains to find out the actual position and I desire to acknowledge the assistance given to me by not only those who are engaged in gold dredging but also those wlm know the capacity of our Dominion foundries. In reference to the protection of our timber industry I must say that awaited with considerable anxiety the tariff proposals of the Governrment. For some eighteen months previously the condition of the timber industry Now Zealand had been causing grave concern to timber workers and millers. The slump had thrown hundreds ot men out of employment yet foreign timber was coming into the country in greater quantities demonstrating that the existing tariff was ineffective to stop it. Members ropresentating electorates where mi s operated were not slow in realising that it was a golden opportunity to deal effectively with the menace of foreign timber importation when a tariff was under consideration. Ihe proposal submitted by the Minister to impose a duty of 7s f>d per 100 superficial feet on timber dressed sawn with a reservation which is to 1,., used discretion!!fly of imposing -v further -20 per cent duty was received with gratification by the House. Oregon pine has been the great rival ot our limn and now 1 feel that our local product will have a proper chance and not be effected by the flooding of our markets by foreign timber. However 1 have stated the case so often of the milling industry that 1 need not further discuss its merits. Suffice it to say that with a due regard to the consumer’s needs there on stilt now to lie no doubt about the stability of the sawmiUing interests. The session will always be remembered as a triumph for Mr Bidc-y who after eighteen years eventually succeeded in getting his Summer Time Bill passed Tn Westland in the sawmills daylight saving has long been practised and the change over to the new order ol things established 1A Mr Sidey’s measure would scarcely he noticed. Mr Sidev was delighted to receive from AVestland appreciation messages from sports bodies, 'lhe Actonly operates for four months and will come up for revision next session when doubtless its popularity will guarantee its being placed pennanentIv on the Statute Book.

In regard to the Apiaries Bill 1 had apprehensions about its application to the lice keepers of Westland, hut so far its effect has not worked to the detriment of lice farmers. On the other hand the measure is meant to grade up the quality of our honey and assuredly this will no achieved.

The Motor Spirits Taxation Bill came as it surprise to the House. No one denies the equity of taxing petrol and using the money so raised on the construction and maintenance of roads. It was however generally expected that a remission or repeal of the taxation on cars would simultaneously bo granted but such was. not the case. However the overwhelming feeling is in favour of the retention of only the petrol tax and this may yet lie done. To tax the user of the roads according to the use lie makes of the roads is surely the fairer way. Clause 8 of the Motor Spirits Taxation Bill dealing with the allocation of the residue of moneys paid into the Consolidated Fund was the clause which was most debated. In its application the Boroughs of 'Westland all being under 0000 in population do not come within the scope of Clause 8, lint where streets in those boroughs are used as main highways 00 per cent of their construction reconstruction repair and maintenance will he defrayed by this fund. Thus far only will the local boroughs benefit by this new measure.

The history of the Licensing Bill' is too recent to need any further comment of mine. The question settled this session by the Upper House doubtless will be brought again before the House on the initiative of some private member.

An interesting feature of the session was the holding of a secret session to hear the Right Hon. L. S. Amery who, occupying a seat on • the Treasury Benches gave a vivid account of Great Britain’s Colonial and Foreign policies. It was a great step towards a clearer understanding between the Dominion and Great Britain to have these problems expounded and questions answered by a Minister of the British Cabinet. Mr Amery by meeting Ministers and members and discussing questions will return with a surer knowledge of our aims, objects and aspirations. It is Mr Seddon’s intention to remain in Greymouth and district over the holidays, immediately afterwards to visit the outlying portions of the district front Totnra Flat to Okuru. Mr and Airs Seddon visited Hokitika to-day.