A DISCUSSION

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1932, Page 6

A DISCUSSION

LIFE OF PARLIAAIENT

In the House last week there was a fairly warm discussion among members on the proposal in the Finance Bill to extend the life of Parliament, in the course oi which the following took place:—

A RED HERRING

Mr Coates said the Opposition was apparently attempting to oraw n reu herring across the scent. Labour memthought they saw in the proposal a little chance of making some political capital out of the declared statements of members oh the hustings. The majority was entitled to rule. “I challenge the Minister of Public Works to produce anything to prove that the majority of tb e Reform members told their constituents that if elected they would vote for a four-year Parliament,” said Mr Fraser. Mr. J. A. Nash (Govt., Palmerston): I said five years. X Labour member: How many said that ?

Air Nash: I am speaking for myself

Air Fraser: When the Reform Party was beaten in 1928 the proposal was hopelessly annihilated. The proposal was defeated by the electors the only time it has been put before them. It was never placed before the electors from any platform at the last election. Air Coates: Oh, ves.

LABOUR AIEAIBERS’ OUTBURST

“It’s a deliberate lie,” cried Air Fraser hotly when Air A. Harris (Govt., Waitemata) suggested that Labour members would drop dead in their consternation if the clause were not carried. For a moment the chamber was an uproar of protesting Labour voices and laughing members on the Government benches.

Air Harris explained he had for many years advocated a longer Parliament, preferably five years. It was inconceivable that a small country such as New Zealand ,even in normal times, should spend £BO,OOO every three years on a general election. M r H. Atmore (Ind., Nelson): It might be a cheap way of getting rid of a bad Government.

Mr Harris: That is so, but the Labour members themselves would drop dead if this clause did not go through.

It was then, Mr Fraser caused a ;tir by shouting: “It’s a lie a deliberate lie,” while his Labour colleague.supported this allegation with loud protests. The Chairman of Committee, Air S. G. Smith, called for order, but the outburst continued for a minute •

“I was only-'expressing by own opinion,” rejoined Air Harris; “it is a deliberate untruth,”- repeat'd Air Fraser.

Air Harris: AVell, the Labour members would he caused tile utmost amazement if the clause did not

pass. Ah- D. AV. Coleman (Lab., Gisborne): Bulging us by yourself. Air Harris: No, 1 am only judging lie Labour members on their professed desire for economy.

ADMINISTERING THE MEDICINE

The Minister of Health, Hon. J. A. fc’oung, said that in times of crisis the Government had to be invested with powers to do things it considered necessary. The medicine had to be administered, but time had also to be allowed to give the medicine a chance .o make improvement in the patient’s condition.

Mr R, Semple (Lab., Wellingt. n East) said the proposal was the price the Prime Minister had to pay for his support.

The Chairman of Committees: What does the honourable member mean by that ?

■ Mr Semple: I mean there are a lumber of members who are very .diary about supporting these proposals fearing the consequences in time to come, and some eonpensation bad to lie held out to them to induce them to get behind the Government. Mr D. 8. Reid (Govt., Raglan): You are wrong there.

Mr Semple: I am not wrong. AVe do hear things around the corridors of this House, and I am satisfied what f have said contains 97 per cent, of truth.