WORK IN PARLIAMENT

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3640, 19 May 1927, Page 1

WORK IN PARLIAMENT

THE COMING SESSION. GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME. DARGAVILLE, May 15. In his speech to-night the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) gave an indication of the work ahead of Parliament during t.ho coining session. “It is a matter of general knowledge,’’ said Mr Coates, “that a special Tariff Committee has been sitting in various parts of the country inquiring and taking evidence in regard to our present system of Customs taxation.' The report of this commission will, I hope, he presented to the Government shortly, together with its recommendations. It would obviously be out v of place for me to discuss at this juncture the policy of any proposed legislation dealing with the all-important question of Customs revision. The matter may be regarded as sub judice at present, but it is intended to submit a Tariff Bill as soon as practicable in the coming session. SECONDARY INDUSTRY WANTED. “In connection with our secondary industries, I would point out that our Dominion occupies a somewhat singular position because of its being so largely a primary producing country. A fall in the price of any of our principal products is felt not only by the farmer, but has a much wider effect, thus creating a position of difficulty and hardship. One of the remedies lor overcoming the dangers in this respect lies along the road of building up our secondary industries. It is necessary, particularly in a young country like ours, to have a Customs tariff of revenue purposes, and this will he the case for many years to come, it will he to the general advantage of the country, in my opinion, if we continue to take steps to build up gradually, hut securely, such: industries as will help to relieve us during times when prices for our primary products in the world’s maikets have fallen to a low and unprofitable level. 1 do not suggest for one moment that every industry should be encouraged, but careful inquiry would disclose the merits of industrial undertakings, particularly as to whether they were likely to have security of existence, and what measure of assistance, if any, should be extended to them. The country and the town are, and will continue to he, inter-dependent, and I hope our primary producers, oti whom the community so largely depends, will in this matter of development of essential industries take a broad view in the interests of the Dominion as a whole. “The Government are also conducting inquiries into the general question of the incidence of taxation,” continued Mr Coates, “and if the investigation is sufficiently advanced, proposals in this connection will ho submitted. MONEY FOR FARMERS. “Another question which lias occupied the attention of Cabinet is that of still further enlarging the opportunity of easier finance for the farmer. The Government will do all in its power to make the rurual advances legislation of last session very successful in its working. The Act came into operation on April 1 of this year. Any necessary amendments to give fuller effect to its provisions, and generally extend its usefulness, will be designed, and will, I feel sure, be agreed to by Parliament. It is probable that, in conformity with the report of the Rural Credits Commission last year, proposals will be submitted to give effect to further recommendations of the commission. In the meantime the important question of farmers’ finance is under close investigation and review. “Owing to the great increase in the volume of motor traffic in rural districts, the country .settler is called upon to bear an unduly heavy burden by way of rates in connection with the maintenance and upkeep of roads. With a view of lightening this load, we hope to be in a position to suggest measures that, I hope, will eventually reduce the heavy demands upon ratepayers, and follow the principle of asking the user to pay for essential road improvements. OTHER MEASURES. “The legislative programme foi next session also contemplates measures dealing with mining, shops and offices, education, fertilisers and agricultural education. “I look forward with confidence to it busy and useful session.” aclded the Prime Minister. “It will be found that the Government’s programme of work is well advanced, aiuf there will bo no cause for complaint on the score of delay in submitting our measures.”