PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1932, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

PAYMENT OF PENT DEBATE OPENS. (Per Press Association — Copyright.'. WELLINGTON, October 7. In the Legislative Council yesterday, the Address-in-lleply debate was continued and adjourned, when the Council rose at 4.45. In the House of Representatives Mr Barnard drew attention to a leading article in yesterday’s “Dominion'' under the heading “Commission and Politicians.” He said he felt the article contained statements which reflected very serously upon the honour of Parliament. The matter was referred to the Committee of Privilege. Mr McKeen moved the adjournment of the House in order to enable discussion of the question of eviction of relief workers from their homes and possible remedial measures. He declared the position was becoming worse, not in Wellington, but throughout the Dominion. The circumstances of relief workers constituted a tragedy. He urg, ed the Government to confer with landlords and relief workers,' with a view to arranging for part rent to be paid by the Government where a distressed family could not afford'to pay all itself. J

After other members had spoken, Mr Hamilton Baid the House would very likely have the opportunity this session of testing whether it was prepared to find money by taxation to pay rent for. these unfortunate people. He did not know, however, that the House would be prepared to go very much further in the way of ncreasing taxation to afford a greater measure of relief.

The Leader of the Opposition said the Minister had completely evaded the issue. The greatest concern was not action in the future but immediate action, to overcome the difficulties of those in whose cases eviction was imminent. It was imperative that work should be provided at sufficent wages to enable the people to pay their own. rent. Mr McKeen’s motion was defeated by 43 to 26. The debate on the Financial Statement was initiated k|y the DeputyLeader of the Opposition, Mr Savage, who said there appeared to be little room for a difference of opinion as to. the part .played by currency in falling or rising (prices, but it seemed to be quite plain that high prices could noc be established on low wages. Neither could currency in circulation be increased without raising wages. He contended that past experience in the Dominion should convince any person that in currency matters Parliament should be the master. The Government had taken complete control of the monetary system during the war and could do the same thing again with advantage.

Mr Young said- the system of currency inflation had broken down in countries which had developed it after the war. He urged caution in making any new departures, and said if any course, breaking away from established order was proposed it would have to be very carefully considered before action was taken. Mr Young declared it a matter for gratification to see confidence returning in industry. The debate was adjourned, when the House rose at 11.25 p.m.