PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1930, Page 1

PARLIAMENT

MJy Telegraph—Per Press Association.) THE COUNCIL. WELLINGTON, August 13. The Legislative Council met at 2.31) p.m. yesterday. The leader, Sir Thomas Sidey, made his first appearance since his illness and was warmly welcomed by members. The Grimes Amendment bill was read a lirst time. The Council adjourned at 2.40 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. to-day.

THE HOUSE. The House of Representatives met at 2.30. Hon. G. Smith gave notice to move for the appointment of a Committee consisting of Messrs Endean, Hogan, Massey, Ransom, Semple, Sullivan, and himseif to inquire into the conditions relating to unemployment, and to make recommendation for the better organisation and more expeditious dealings with applications for relief, v The following bills were introduced and read a first time—Defence (temporary) .Amendment Bill (Mr Cobbe; Painters and Decorators; Health Protection Bill (Mr Jordan); Wellington and Suburban Water Supply Amendment Bill (Mr Eraser). On the motion of Hon. Smith, the following bills were read a second time, pro forma, and referred to the Labour Bills Committee—Apprentices Amendment Bill and Scaffolding and Excavation Amendment Bill. Consideration of the Customs Amendment Bill in committee ocuppied the first all night sitting of the session. Numerous amendments were moved. An amendment to reduce the protection afforded cement was withdrawn on the Prime Minister undertaking to investigate the whole position relating to the production of cement during the recess. An amendment to reduce the general tariff on unions wan defeated on the voices. Mr Forties accepted amendments to reduce tile duty on foreign watches from 35 to 30 per cent., and on British electric light lamps (80 to 180 watts) from sixpence to threepence, and these were carried. Air Savage moved a reduction in the tariffs on unassembled parts ol motor vehicles with a view of allording additional protection to the motor hodv building industry but tiro Prime .mo isfcer churned The loss of revenue involved would he too great, and Hie amendment was defeated by 10 to 23. An amendment moved by Air Harris sought to substitute a tax of four pm on petrol for llm Government’s proposal of so von pence, but this was ruled out of order on the ground it anuuiiifed to tlm restoration of the tax already repealed. When the first part of the schedule was disposed of Air Wright moved that the tax be amended to fivepenoe. The. debate continued till 7 a.m., when the. Prime Minister moved to report progress, and the House adjourned till 2.30 this‘afternoon.