PARLIAMENTARY.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1931, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY.

THE COUNCIL. (By 'Tdeyraph —Per Press Association) WELLINGTON. April 9. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 P-. 11l - Sir T. Kidey moved the second reading of the Finance Bill. Sir F .D. Bell said it was claimed by 'the Government that the cuts would not result in hardship, but there was no excuse for a tax on a special class.

Hon Fagan expressed' regret that the Council had no power to amend the Bill, as lie believed the Council could have devised other means of balancing the budget. He iaround a

uiniversal income tax commencing at 6150 or a graduated tax on wages.

Hon Garland expressed regret that there was no provision in the bill to

do away with preference to unionists He strongly attacked the attitude of the Labour Party, which be described

as being rotten as a. pear. lion. Melntyre said be could not support the Bill unless a serious effort were made by the-; Government, to reduce the cost ol living, especially rents'. The Council rose at 1.60 |>.m.

THE HOUSE. « EARTHQUAKE BILL DISCUSSED WELLINGTON. April 8. The House of Representatives met at, 2.30 p.m. The Prime Minister in moving the second reading oi the llawkes Bay Earthquake Bill briefly explained the various proposals contained in ft.

Referring to the proposed insurance tax and tax on insurable property, be said a consensus of opinion seemed to favour some lonn ol taxation to restore the payments made from 'llie reserve fund, and to provide lor possible future emergency.

Hon. J. G. Coates said lie thought the Bill should lie referred to a Select (‘ommittee.

Mr Barnard moved an amendment Iliat it lie a recommendation to the Government to take into immediate consideration.

(I ) The urgent'necessity 'lor obtaining and publishing estimate total loss sustained in the earthquake area. (2) Taking authority HId?; -session to borrow the sum of 61,0.00,099 lor the purpose of completing the rehabilitation of the earthquake area. (6) The qlies'* ; on of reopening nogiv tint inns with thy Council of the Fire Underwriters Association with a view to obtaining the co-operation of lire insurance companies in the work of ascertaining the losses .anti making tinuncial assistance available. thereby facilitating the help which was so urgently required. (4) Immediate completion by the Public Works .!)epa.rt.mei+t.(>L.tb.e worn of deinolisbing:MEt%frhinsvanu removing the debris in Nnpfofv.- The cost, -off such work to tie a elntrge upon mo" ' - t(> be provided' uiiilur part I! ol the Bill

(5) Acceptance of the ..general', rule that homes and household goods which were destroyed or damaged shall be restored by way of a free grant to the full extent o lAlie loss sustained.

(6) The question of assisting local authorities in the earthquake area by way of a grant, as well as by loans. (7) The question of making recommendations to llawkes Bay rivers Board and Napier Harbour Board and of directing or controlling tin* activities of cither body with a view to securing the fullest possibly co-ordina-tion in the task-ol restoring the earth quake area and papier and Hastings in particular. Mr .lull said he was pleased the House had the Earthquake Bill before it. cv'elT though the provisions were disappointing. He was further disappointed with the speeches of .Mr Forbes and Mr Coates. lie fell some what alarmed at Hie emphasis being placed upin the loan aspect in prel'eronc to the principle of straight, out assistance.

Mr Campbell said there was every indication that the damage in (lie earthquake area would exceed ilour millions. • He though! I.hq Government should begin b.v making grants to the sufferers, and should then supplement these b.v loans at a low rale of interest.

The debate was interrupted by tins rising of the House at midnight.

Several members criticised 1 1 1 ,. insurance tax and insurable properly tax proposals and urged the necessity of proceeding with assistance without delay.