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Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1930, Page 3

The Prime Minister: “The Bill is prejudiced by such an attitude.”

Mr Cook: “Far better to have nojw than the Bill in its present form!” The Prime Minister replied that the Bill provided that the people in work could assist those who were out of work. Mr Cook: “In other words, a wagereducing Bill.” The Prime Minister repeated that it gave an opportunity to those in work to assist the men who were not c ployed. The flat levy was recommended by the Commission, which made- a thorough investigation of the position, while the Government was to p 50 per cent, of the expenditure. Mr 1 Cook: “They recommended other sources of revenue.” The Prime Minister reminded the deputation that the Commission which made the'recommendation had a representation of 50 per cent, of workers, and the Government gave effect to the principal recommendations of that report. He was not able to say whether Parliament would maintain the flat levy.

Dealing with other points raised by the deputation, Mr Forbes stated that New Zealand only held a third interest in the partnership which operated the phosphate deposits, and Commissioners who administered Nauru and Ocean Islands secured the cheapest rates of freight available so that phosphates could be landed at the lowest prices possible. He thought that the arrangements regarding the use of the Swedish steamer to lift Island fruit was due to the difficulty in getting a suitable vessel at the time. Everyone ltnew what a ghastly mess had been made of the Government effort to conduct fruit transport with its own motor vessel. There was, he said, a Compensatin' Bill in the hands of the Minister of Labour. It would -be introduced shortly, and it followed the report of a Commission which took evidence on the subject.