Mr. Speaker . . .

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 795, 16 October 1929, Page 1

Mr. Speaker . . .

Session Queries and Asides |

THE SI N'S Pa filamentary Keparte WELLINGTON, Today

Railways and their administration occupied the attention of the House of Representatives yesterday, and members had their 15*minute spells of oratory, while party leaders had the privilege of half an hour. With everyone anxious to speak, it was ob\ ious that the debate would go on late, although a suggestion was made that those contributing to the debate should be limited in number —the debating Paladins of their respective parties. This was not agreed to by the House, however. Sitting Until 3.45 a.m. At 2 o’clock this morning the House, after concluding the debate on the Railways Statement, went into Committee of Supply to deal with the estimate for the Working Railways Account (£6,658,479). Mr. J. T. Hogan (Rangitikei) urged that some of the railway repair work should be given to smaller workshops. The Hon, W. B. Taverner, Minister of Railways, said that he would go into the matter during the recess, and, where it was economically possible, such steps would be taken. Other matters of local interest were discussed, the vote was passed, ami i the House rose at 2.45 a.m. Reopening of Inquests A statement that it was not pro posed to amend the Coroners’ Act this ! session was made in the House today by the Minister of Justice, *Le Hon. T. M. Wilford, in answering a question from Mr. C. E. Macmillan (Tauranga). Mr. Macmillan asked whether it was intended to make provision for a coronial inquest at which the cause of death had not been found to be reopened if the Minister were satisfied that fresh evidence was available. * • * “Sayin* Nuffin” I The railways statement debate yesI terday afternoon was remarkable for lack of contribution of view's of mem- • bers on the Government benches. They seemsd to have received orders to “lie low and say nuffin.” and most of them are keenly interested ing the subject of the Dominion’s railway system. The only member of the United Party to speak before the tea adjournment was the Minisifr of Mines, the Hon. W. A. Veitch. * Twitted For Silence When tilings had settled down, and several Labour members had spoken | after the Leader of the Opposition, ■ the Right Hon. J. G. Coates, Mr. M. J. Savage (Auckland West) gently twitted the Government members on their attitude. He thought the loud silence of the Government members was remarkable. On previous occasions United members had been talking for three weeks and saying nothing. This time, however, they were silent when so important a question as railways was before the country. Had they nothing to say? The Acting Leader of the House, the Hon. T. M. Wilford: That is our policy? Mr. Savage agreed that it was possible for the Government to say nothing and do little. Mr. Veitch, in his speech, explained that Government members had not taken part in the debate as the policy of the Government was set out in the Budget. They were ready to reply to any attack. Repries to Questions For some Wednesdays past Ministerial replies to questions asked by members have not been circulated in i the House, the day being taken over ! for Government business. Thiß pro- • ceeding aroused some uneasiness in l the mind of Mr. H. M. Rushworth ! (Bay of Islands), for today he asked the acting-Leader of the House, the Hon. T. M. Wilford, if answers would ; be circulated even if members did not I get a chance to discuss them. Mr. Wilford said that the replies given to | questions this session had been a ! record.

Breach of Privilege The House decided that a breach of privilege had been committed by the

“Hawke’s Bay Tribune” recently when it published a report of the proceedings of the Local Bills Committee while the Hawke's Bay Rivers Amendment Bill was still before the committee. Members agreed that the breach was a minor one, but expressed the view that the newspapers and the public—particularly witnesses who gave evidence —should understand tnat except by order of the House evidence given before a Select Committee should not be published. It was decided to write to the editor and publisher of the paper informing them that a breach of privilege had been committed.

Christchurch Railway Station Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon), asked ; the Minister of Railways whether he had any plans in mind for a new station at Christchurch. The Min- ; ister would know that the present ! building was not upto date and was totally inadequate for the its purpose %.~id made a bad impression as an ».itrance to the city. Coi\Xd the | people of Christchurch look forward j to getting a new station in the near future. The request was echoed by Mr. S. S. Kyle (Riccarton). who spoke of the exposure of waiting passengers to the south-west storms. Mr. Taverner said that no doubt the position ! was as stated, but no provision could be made this year. It was realised ! that the Christchurch station would I be the next job as far as the larger 1 stations were concerned. _ l