DAYLIGHT SAVING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3698, 1 October 1927, Page 3

DAYLIGHT SAVING.

FARMER MEMBER HITS OUT

SELFISH AND PERNICIOUS

'Some uncomplimentary references to the recently-passed Daylight Saving Bill were made by Mr. F. F. Iloekly (Rotorua) in the House of Representatives last night, when referring to the effect he considered the provisions would have on the dairying industry. “This Act,” declared Mr. Hockly, “is one of the most selfish and pernicious Acts that have even been placed on the Statute Book.” Members: Oh! Oh I

“I refer,” said Mr. Ilockly, “to its effect on the railway services and those people who have to catch the train an hour earlier in the morning under the new timetable. I hope the Minister of Railways is going to make a definite statement to-night that the services arc going to be run first and foremost to suit the dairy farmers of New Zealand, and, secondly, for the rest of the people of the Dominion. This suggestion was greeted with murmurs of dissent.

“The dairy farmers,” continued Mr. Hockly, “are not going to take this Act lying down. (Laughter). They are going to protect themselves, and if they cannot get train services to suit them, then they will have their stuff carried by road, and once they do that the railways will suffer permanently. ... I have never been in favour of taking business away from the railways, but the dairy farmers will have to look after their own interests, and if the business is once lost to the Department it will be very difficult to regain it. ... I hope that the Minister of Railways will see that the interests of the dairy farmers will be conserved.” The Minister: We are going to see that that is done.

Mr. Hockly added that the children also have to be considered, and he hoped the Minister of Railways would consult with the Minister of Education on that matter.

“I suggest,” said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr.* 11. E .Holland), “that the vacancy in the Cabinet could be filled by making Mr. Hockly Minister of Railways, and then he could fix up the time-tables to suit. (Laughter).' That would overcome the difficulty.”

The Prime Minister: And a good Minister of Railways he would make, too. Mr. Holland: I believe he would. The Prime Minister: I am certain of it. Members: Hear, hear.

A member: And make Mr. Holland Minister of Mines, and he could fix the time-tables for the miners. (Laughter). The Prime Minister: He comes from the wrong quarter, though. (Renewed laughter).