RECENT LEGISLATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26640, 10 December 1947, Page 3

RECENT LEGISLATION

REVIEW BY MR NORDMEYER POST-SESSIONAL ADDRESS “My constituents have a right to ask me to explain the work of the recent session of Parliament, and it is my duty to explain the legislation to them," said the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr Nordmeyer, in a post-sessional address in the Scottish Hall on Monday night. There was a large attendance and Mr J. Armstrong presided. Mr Nordmeyer's address followed similar lines to that given at Port Chalmers last week, and he was accorded an attentive hearing. He again made a spirited defence of the superannuation scheme for members of Parliament, and reviewed the Bills dealing with customs and taxes, patriotic and canteen funds, the dairy industry, lair rents, and the control of prices. Mr Nordmeyer explained the Statute of Westminster Bill and the New Zealand Amendment to the Constitution Bill, saying that the step taken by Parliament this year made it clear that we in New Zealand, and the Parliament of New Zealand, could conduct their own affairs and that we were not bound by a decision of the British Parliament. New Zealand had full constitutional powers, and that did not lessen, but rather strengthened, the ties of Empire. He also described the increased benefits available to beneficiaries under the Social Security. Amendment Bill, the extension of benefits under rehabilitation to the widow of a soldier killed overseas, the widening of the scope for adult education and the encouragement of the establishment of commmunity centres under the Adult Education Bill. Mr Nordmeyer also referred to the provision of a minimum wage for workers not governed by .awards, and to the amendments under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, which provided that there must be no strike unless by the decision of the majority of the workers engaged in the industry. “We do not stand for the ruling of any union in any industry by any clique,” Mr Nordmeyer said, " and the Bill will prevent any minority from imposing their will on the workers of this country.” . He explained the provision of increased compensation from £IOOO to £ISOO under the Workers’ Compensation Amendment Bill, and other benefits under the Bill, and stoutly defended the complete monopoly of this class of insurance by the State. “ Workers’ compensation has been very profitable for the companies,” Mr Nordmeyer said, “ and premiums are far in excess of the amount paid out by compensation. The State charge is less and, rather than increase the premiums, the State will be responsible for workers’ compensation.”

In conclusion, Mr Nordmeyer dealt with the unparalleled destruction of property and manpower in the war, and said it would be years before goods could be obtained in the quantity required. Rationing would be abolished as soon as the supply position permitted. There was no shortage of meat and butter, which must be rationed so that people abroad might have more. Mr Nordmeyer answered several questions and was accorded a vote of thanks.