N.Z. PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1932, Page 5

N.Z. PARLIAMENT

BILLS CONSIDERED

MEASURES BEFORE THE HOUSE.

(Per Press Association- - Copyright )

WELLINGTON, November 16

In the House of Representatives, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe (Minister of Justice), gave notice of his intention to introduce the Judicial Proceedings (Regulation of Reports), Bill number 2.

The Urban Farm Lands Rating Bill, Stock Remedies Bill, . Orchard Tax Amendment Bill, and the Building Construction Bill were introduced by Governor-General's message, and read, the first time. The Stock Remedies Bill, and' Orchard Tax Amendment Bill were also read the second time pro forma, and referred to the Agricultural, Pastoral and Stock Committee.

The Hon. A. Hamilton, explaining the purpose of the Urban Farm Lands Rating Bill, said that it mad© provision for a special reduced rateble value for farm lands of three acres or more within boroughs. Application for similar treatment would have to be made- in the case of farm lands under three acres. Valuation would be fixed by the borough council, and appeals against such valuation would be heard.

The Hon. C. E. Macmillan (Minister of Agriculture), said that the Stock Remedies Act provided for a board of three members to be appointed by tlie Governor-General. Applications to place stock remedies on the market would have to be made to the board, and, if jt h approved, the remedies could then be registered. Explaining the purpose of the Orchard Tax Amendment Bill, Mr Macmillan said that it exempted citrus and stone fruit farmers from the payment of tlie 'special levy, imposed to provide funds for eradicating fireblight. This was being done because these fruit-growers received no benefit from the money as they were not troubled with fireblight. The Hon. E. A. Ransom (Minister of Lands), said that the object of the Building Construction Bill was to make better provison ,for the design 'and contsruction of buildings. The need for legislation had been made apparent after the Hawke’s Bay earthquake, the effects of; which had been subject to investigation by experts. The Bill made provision for the establishment of a building committee which would consist of the engineer-in-chief of the Public Works Department, registered engineers, appointed on the recomemndation of the New Zealand' Society •oft Civil' -Engineers-, Municipal Association of New Zealand, ' and: New Zealand Counties Association, a registered architect,. Appointed by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, and two otlmr persons pd’isessed -of iseientific and tecHic,al qualifications, one of whom must be a practical builder. The Local Authorities Sinking Funds Bill was put through the remaining stages and passed. The House rose at 12.37.