PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1931, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

THE COUNCIL. WELLINGTON, July 24. In the Legislative Council yesterday the Leader, bir T. Sidey, moved the •adoption of the address on the Statute of Westminster. He said so far-as New Zealand was concerned there was no desire for a. change in the constitution and all Parliament was being asked to do was to place no obstacles in the way of other Dominions, which did seek changes. The debate was adjourned, and the Council rose at 4 p.m.

THE HOUSE.

In the House of Representatives notice was given of the intention to introduce War Ministers Profits Bill (Mr McCombs). , Introducing the Public Hospitals Assisting Bill, Air Black said it provided for authority for any two or more Hospital Boards to conduct an art unitai or sweepstake for the purpose of raising finance. He referred to the money sent out of New Zealand by those anxious to take part .in sweepstakes in other countries, for instance Tasmanian and latterly Irish Free State. He considered the time now opportune to provide that if the money must be invested in sweepstakes, it should be possible to invest in New Zealand and there was no better channel for investment than those connected with charity. The Bill was read a first time. Replying to‘ the Imperial Affairs Debate, Mr Forbes said there had never been any definite suggestion made at the Conference in respect to bulk purchase. He wanted some practical details before he was prepared to commit tile Dominion to any scheme. He had never heard while in the Old Country, Any suggestion cs to how the scheme of bulk purchase and import boards could be brought into effect. All that Messrs MacDonald, Snowden and Graham had said was that they had an open mind on the matter. He found the scheme had never got beyond an election pledge stage, and no practical details had been arranged. That was the position and Labour members hrd blamed him because lie had not been able to bring from those airy nothings, a scheme that was going to benefit farmers in this country. In reference to Singapore, Mr Forbes said the work that was 'being postponed was that connected with the defence of the base. It is to be dealt with at the end of five years. New Zealand’s contribution, which is now beirg spread out over a longer period, would be one hundred thousand pounds annually, instead of 125 thousand as before. The defence work was to be carried out at the expense of Britain. The Prime Minister? then moved a resolution embodying approval of the Statute of Westminister and it was adopted unanimously. The House proceeded to deal with Private Members Bills. Distress and Replevin Amendment (Mr Fraser), Deaths by Accident 'Compensation Amendment, 'number two (Mr Stewart), Deaths by Accident Compensation Amendment (Mr Mason), and Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Amendment (Mr Mason) were all read a second time pro forma and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. Mr Lysnar was greeted with applause when lie rose to move the second reading of the Meat Export Control Amendment Bill. His speech was interrupted’ by the rising of the House at 10.30 p.m. WELLINGTON, July 24. The House of Representatives met at 10.30 to-day. Mr Jordan gave ’notice of his intention to introduce the Painters- and Decorators Health Protection Bill and Painters and Decorators' Registration Bill. The War Minister’s Profit Bill was read a first time. Mr McCombs, explaining the measure, said it was' designed to tax the excess profits made by Ministers holding office during the War years from companies in which they were interested at -the time . In the House of Representatives the remainder of the morning was occupied by a debate on the second reading of Mr Lysnar’s Meat Export Control Amendment Bill. The House adjourned at 1 p.m.