IN THE HOUSE

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1932, Page 5

IN THE HOUSE

CLOSER DIVISIONS

THE ARBITRATION BILL.

(By Telegraph —Per Press Association)

* WELLINGTON, March 16.

The debate on the short title of the Arbitration Act Amendment Bill was continued all this afternoon until 5.15 o’clock, when Mr Forbes again moved the closure. 3 { ')i • t"

, The Chairman of. Committees, Mr Smith, said that there had been over five hours of discussion on the short title.

Mr Fraser: Is the Chairman trying to justify the Prime Minister? The 'Leader of the Opposition said that the Minister in charge of the Bill, Mr Hamilton, had spoken three times in committee, and there were several Labour members who had spoken only once or twice.

The Chairman said that he had to be satisfied that the application of the closure would not infringe the rights of members, and. in the circumstances, he did not think anyone’s rights would be infringed.

Mr Semple: You are bound to be satisfied I

The closure vote was carried by 43 votes to S 3, After the tea adjournment, Mr P. Fraser tabled a motion to defer the Act until January 1, 1936.

As no discussion on the motion was permissible under the closure, a division was taken immediately. The amendment was lost by 44 votes to 80. ' . v ■ t

Labour immediately afterwards divided the House on One, which carried by 42'to 31.