AN IMPATIENT MEMBER

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1929, Page 7

AN IMPATIENT MEMBER

, THREAT TO HIS LEADERS

WELLINGTON, Sept. 11

A candid speech from Mr Fletcher (Grey Lj An) which was cheerfully hailed by the Opposition members as a revolution in the United camp, was heard in the House to-night during the discussion on the Unemployed Workers Hill, intioduced by Mr Fraser (Wellington Central), who moved its second reading. It provides for an Unemployment Board to organise work, and for setting up insurance against unemployment, Mr Fletcher supported prompt measures for dealing with the problem and criticised the apparent delay of the government in absorbing all the unemployed. He declared that practical men accustomed to handling large bodies of workers could absorb all the unemployed in a national roading scheme in a few weeks. He would appropriate all the funds of the Highways Board for the purpose.

“Unless the Government can deal with this problem now,” continued Mr Fletcher, “they will not have my support any longer.”

Reform members: Be careful (Laughter).

Mr Fletcher went on to refer to a question he had put to the Minister of Industries and Commerce, urging the appointment of a select committee to explore all the possibilities of developing secondary industries and encouraging the starting of others. 11' Minister’s reply had been that the matter hfld received consideration, but the proposed survey was so wide and must cover so many existing and fiotential industries that a select committee could not cover the ground in the time available, therefore, added the Minister’s reply which, the speaker quoted, the Government would during the recess consider the holding of such investigation.

“I stand by my pledge to the electors of Grey Lynn that I was going io get things done.” continued Mr Fletcher, “and if 'the Government is' going to block the way and cannot tackle the job because it is too big, and if the Minister’s reply to-night is not satisfactory, 1 will walk across the floor of the House to-night.” Mr Howard (Christchurch South): Come over, brother.

Mr Samuel Mr Fletcher on his earnest plea on behalf of the unemployed. “It seems to me,” said Mr Samuel, “he has been bordering on rebellion, but I admire him all the more on that account.”

Mr Fraser (Wellintgon Central) : An honest statement.

Mr Samuel: Yes, and if all members on the Government benches would take that honest stand it would not be long before we solved the problem of unemployment. Mr Fraser: Your party did not solve it.

Mr Parry (Auckland Central) said the Government would do well to heed the outpourings of the member for Groy Lynn, instead of putting off action from day to day. Mr Fletcher, just as the House*was adjourning, asked if something could be done to refer the Bill to the Labour Bills Committee.

Mr Speaker pointed out that he intended ruling the Bill out of order, it involved appropriation, though anything could be done with the unanimous approval of the House. The Hon G. W. Forbes, acting leader in the absence of the Prime Minister, stated that the Government had no objection to referring the Bill to the committee. Mr Coates pointed out that it was quite open to the Government to Introduce the measure. It was ultimately decided unanimously to refer Mr Fraser’s Bill to the Labour Bills Committee.