PARLIAMENTARY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1931, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY

THE HOUSE.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 30. In the Legislative Council yesterday, tihe Stamp Duties Amendment Bill j ari<l Air Navigation Bill was put through all stages .and passed iu the House oi Representatives.

Mr Hamilton gave notice, of his intention to introduce the Mountain Guides Bill.

Counties Amendment Bill (Air Hamilton) was read a first time. On the motion of Hon. U. W. Forbes it was decided the House sit daily for the remainder of-’the session.

The Leader of the * Opposition (Hon J. G. Coates) asked the Prim© Minister if he would state on which date the elections would be held. Hon. H. E. Holland said there had been a disquieting rumour that certain candidates were being , asked to stand down on the strength of promises of appointment to the Legislative Council. He asked for a definite statement from the Prime Minister that there would be no appointments of this nature in the event of the Coalition returning victorious., Mr Forbes said that the date of the election depended entirely on the date on which the session ended. The election would take places, within three weeks or a month 'after that date. He had anticipated the session would end on Saturday week but he now doubted whether it was possible to complete the business by then, Replying to -Mr /Holland he eqid no inducement of i description had ’ been offered to any candidate to with, draw from the contest. Any man who withdrew would do so unreservedly and only in accordance with his sense of duty to his country. No promises had been mad© nor would they be made.

The following estimates were passed: Department Lands Survey £186,320. Discharge Soldiers Settlement Account £37,000. Land for Settlement Account £9,720. State Forests Account £252,766. Valuation Department £46,979. Naval defence £444,045. Defence Department £240,000. Justice Department £140,591. ' Police Department' £424,188.: ;• ■V A' ’ •'■ '■ The House rose at midnight; ■