N.Z. PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1932, Page 6

N.Z. PARLIAMENT

TO-DAY’S SITTING. i ~<■■■■ ■ ■ (Per Press Association — Copyright.) WELLINGTON, October 7. The House of Representatives met at 10.30 a.m. . . On -the •motiejp. of the Prime Minister, a committee ;Conristing of Messrs Forbes, Barnard, Coates,: Endean, H. !E. Holland and Smith was appo.nted to consider any matters referred to it concerning the privileges of the Hou^e. It was further decided to refer to this committee the question of privilege raised by Mr Holland on Wednesday. to, „ Workers’ Compensation Amendment Bill (Mr H. Er Holland) and Christchurch Tramways District Amendment Bill (Mr McCombs) were introduced and read a first time. The report of the Government Railways Board was laid upon the table. Mr Coates presented the report and summary of proceedings of the Imperial Economic Conference at Ottawa. He said he proposed om Thursday of next week to make a statement supplementing this document, and certain customs resolutions, would be moved on that ■occasion. These resolution would be presented simultaneously in the Parliaments throughout the Empire and they would become operative the next day. The report of the Railways Board was tabled. The debate on the Financial Statement was then resumed. PRIVILEGE. ANOTHER ALLEGED BREACH. 'WELTAnGTON, Octobef 7. The financial debate was interrupted by Mr McDougali, who rising to a point •of order drew attention to a report in the Christchurch “Sun” of yesterday, referring to a question asked 1 of the Minister of Employment, which had. not yet been answered. Hp considered the statements contained in the report reflected on all members of the House. The Clerk -of the House read the report which was headed 1 : “An M.P. criticised”; “discussion at meeting of Progress League.”

Mr Speaker said the usual course was when, the House decided that a breach had been• committed was for Mr Speaker to write to the editor, publisher and others concerned, asking for explanation. In the present case it might be better'to refer the matter to the Committee of privilege and that would prevent"' any hasty decision being arrived at. On the motion of Hon. Ransom, acting leader of the Horse, the matter was referred to the Committee of Privilege.