N.Z. PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1933, Page 5

N.Z. PARLIAMENT

THE, TOBACCO TRADE

PETITIONS BEFORE THE HOUSE.

(Per Press Association—Copyright)

WELLINGTON, December 14, The Companies Bill was. read a second time i n the Legislative Council yesterday. .The Transport Law Amendment Bill, Victoria University College Bill, and Canterbury University College Bill were put through the remaining stages, and passed.

In the House of Representatives,

icporting on . sixty-seven petitions, asking that action be taken under the Board’ of Trade Act to establish fair trading conditions in the retail tobacco trade, the Industries and Commerce Committee stated that, while it was unable to recommend the prayer of the! petition .for favourable consideration, it recommended the Government to give favourable consideration

to the .removal of tqbaqco from the schedule of the Commercial Trusts Act, provided manufacturers, wholesalers* and retailers entered into an agreement safeguarding the consumers. ’ . ..

The Leader of the Opposition '(Mr M. J. Savage), t said that if the Committee’s recommendation were carried out, it would simply, create a monopoly in the hands, of the manufacturers, and have the very effect that the Commercial Trusts Act had been passed to prevent. . . . Mr A, Harris (Govt., WailemataV, said it- had been felt by the committee that reasonable opportunity might be provided to enable the parties to fix prices that would protect the pubic. and, at the same time, enable small retailers to continue to exist. The report was referred to the Government. . , The Harbours , Amendment Bill, T'ride Agreement (New Zealand and’ Belgium) Ratification Bill, Immigration Restriction Amendment Bill, and Trustees Amendment Bill were put through the remaining stages and passed. *•’ y .■. .•. / . The House went- into committee on the estimates. The following votes were Electoral . £5,200'; Public . Trustee £248,3.15; External Affairs £81,200; Crown Law £4,984; Public Service Commissioner“ £4,725 ;' Scientific and Industrial Research- £47,000;. Education £2,550!000; . National Provident £84,457; Public Service . Supeinnrm"■tion -£7H73; maintenance of Toads and .puMic. buildings, etc., £79.000, The House rose atimidrieht.