PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1931, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

THE COUNCIL.

(By Telegraph-—Per Press Association)

AVELLINGTON, October 3. In the Legislative Council yesterday Hon. R. Masters ’took his {dace as Leader of the Council and Sir Francis Bell expressed the congratulations of the Council to him on his elevation to his position in the Executive Council He added an expression of regret that they were losing Sir Thos. Sidey from the Government benches. Hon. R. Alasters said he realised he would have a very heavy responsibility, but he was sure he could rely on the assistance and sympathy of all members. Referring to the Education Portfolio, Hon. Alasters said his aim would be to bring about economies without interfering with the welfare of chib dt'eii. The debate on Hon, • Fagan’s motion urging greater encouragement for the gold-mining industry was resumed. Hon. Masters said the Government and the Unemployment Board were fully alive to the desirability of encouraging the industry.

The motion was carried and the Council rose at 3.40 p.m. till 10 o’clock this morning. THE HOUSE. In the House of Representatives the debate on the Imprest Supply Bill was continued. Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister in Charge of Unemployment, said a brief reference to the unemployment problem would be made in the Statement presented on Tuesday r night by the Finance Minister (Hon. W. D. Stewart) and he himself would subsequently give the House full details of Government’s proposals. He added that the operations of the Government as well as those of the Hospital Boards must, necessarily be controlled by the amount of money in the country.

Mr D. Jones referred to the position of Dobson mine and said it was unfortunate that the men had not accepted the - offer of the Company to employ 80 men selected by ballot, in preference to putting off all employees. The Leader of the Opposition (Air Holland) said it was unfortunate that Mr Jones, in his first speech as Alinister of Alines had taken a partisan attitude. He considered the miners should have been commended for their offer to ration work among all their number, thus avoiding the necessrty of a majority of them becoming a burden on the Unemployment Board’s funds.

Mr Jones said he had no desire to take any side in the matter. He could only repeat that it was unfortunate eighty men who might have remained in work were to-day out of employment. The Bill was put through all stages and passed. Replying to Air Holland. Air Forbes said after the presentation of the Financial Statement on Tuesday night, the House would resume the second reading debate in the Transport Licensing Bill. The House rose at five p.m. till 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday. THE COUNCIL. WELLINGTON, October 3. The Legislative Council met at ten this morning. Imprest Supply Bill No. 4 was reccivfd from the House, put through all stages and passed. The Council rose at 10.5 a.m. till 2.30 1 p.m. on Wednesday.