IN THE HOUSE

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1932, Page 5

IN THE HOUSE

UNEMPLOYED BILL

PASSES FIRST READING. (By Telegraph —Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 23. In the House ot .Representatives, Mi R. Semple (L. Wellington East), asked whether tbo accident at tiic old Government and Life Insurance Bunding would he investigated by a committee of inquiry, presided over by a .Magistrate, and whether the work would be suspended in the meantime, because lie alleged that it appealed that the accident had been due to sheer incompetence.

Mr Coates said that it was an tin fortunate happening, and would be the subjec t of a Coroner’s inquiry, and the Government would then consider whether any further investigation was necessary. In the meantime it was not thought necessary to stop the contractor from carrying on the work. 1 Mr Semple: “lean assure you, sir. lie’ll kill’ more men.”

Mr Coates presented the 'Unemployment statement, and Hon. Downiq Stewart presented the financial statement,

The Unemployment Amendment Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor-General’s message,

The Leader of the Opposition, (Mr Holland) said that he believed the whole country would bo disappointed with the scheme outlined by Mr Coates. There was nothing new in it, with the. exception of an increase in the un employment tax; Ho was under the impression that the rural allotments scheme had been proposed long ago. Mr Contes had not shown how he was going to relieve the hospital boards of the burden they were carrying.

Mr Holland insisted that the imposition of the unemployment tax on a flat rate basis was wholly unfair. He did not think anyone would object to tlie 1/- in the £l, as the basis provided It was steeply graduated, but the flat rate would operate unfairly against, the man on a small income. The Bill was read the first time, and the House rose at 11.10 p.m.

SHILLING IN THE POUND. OPERATES FROM MAY 1. WELLINGTON, March 23. The Unemployment Amendment Bill provides the necessary machinery for the scheme outlined b.v Hon. J. G. Coates in his statement. It authorises the employing of men and families on cultivable lands. If persons, so assisted, are unable to provide adequate sustenance for "theinspilves'' and "their families, they may receive a sustenance allowance out of the unemploy ment fund, in accordance with Section 20 of the Unemployment Act, 1930, or may he provided with necessities in accordance with Section 13 of the amending Bill.

Aii alternative proposal made by the Bill is that money may be spent from the unemployment fund for the purchase of food and clothing, or other necessities, for the benefit of persons qualified to receive the sustenance allowance. Under Section 20 of the principal Act for the benefit of persons employed on relief works, or for the benefit of their families or other dependents, the Board may purchase supplies of food and elothimr, or nthpr necessities, and arrange for their distribution, or it may arrange for the issue to qualified persons of dockets, which will be exchangeable for such necessities in accordance with prescribed conditions. These dockets will be redeemed by the Board by payment out of the unemployment fund. The Bill deals with the new basis of unemployment as indicated in the Minister’s statement. The increase in the emergency unemployment charge from one penny in every six shillings and eightponce Lo threepence in every live shillings, will operate from May !, I!‘M2. The Board may, on the ground of hardship, exempt any person lrom the liability to pay the emergency unemployment charge

THE ARBITRATION BILL. WELLINGTON. Marc], 24. Til the Legislative Council yesterday, the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill was received from the House and read the first time. The Mortgagors’ ami Tenants’ Belief Bill uas reported from (lie Statues Revision Commit lee with amendments, and was set down for committal to-day.