PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 6 April 1932, Page 6

PARLIAMENT

SESSION RESUMES. CONCESSIONS TO WOMEN. (By Telegraph—Ber Bress Association) WELLINGTON, April 6. The work of the General Assembly was resumed yesterday after the Easter recess. The Legislative Council met, at 2.30 p.m.

In moving the second reading of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill, Sir J. Parr said the Government proposed to make an im- ■ portant concession to women workers for whom the minimum wage would be secured. Women would have the right to approach the court and ask that a minimum wage should be fixed. The concession would apply solely to wages and not to hours and general conditions. Hon. M. Fagan expressed opposition to the Bill and moved an amendment that ft be read a second time six months hence. This was seconded by Hon. Carrington. t The debate was adjourned and the Council rose at 4.45 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. taxation statement. : y ' WELLINGTON, April 6. ■ln .the House of Representatives, Hon. ■ J-. G. -Coates moved the second reading of the. .Unemployment Amendment Bill. He .'said every' effort was necessary to balance the national accounts and to see the country meet its obligations. The Consolidated Fund would not be in a position to assist the unemployed as formerly and those receiving incomes would have to be called upon to provide the necessary money for relief; They would be asked to make a special effort to pay tbe ■ additional taxation that the Government proposed to impose. It had suggested that the income tax payer could contribute more for unemployment relief. The Government was convinced this was not so. The shilling in the pound 'vniich wage earners and income tax payers of all descriptions would be asked to pay would realise approximately three to "three tincT a half millions. Income taxation per pound had been increased greatly since 1914 and if the whole unemployment taxation were placed on the shoulders of income tax payers, and if the amount raised was three millions it would mean the tax on incomes would be in the vicinity of 13s 4d in the £. Income tax payers could not possibly carry that burden. The debate was interrupted when the •House rose ■at 11.30 p.m.