PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 October 1919, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

! LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. MORE BILLS PASSED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Mining Amendment Bill, received; from the House of Representatives, was read a first time. The following Bills were put through i their final stages and passed;— Wellington City Abattoir Charges Bill, WaimateAriri Harbor Board Bill, Wairoa Harbor bor Board Empowering and Loan Bill, Tolaga Bay Harbor Bill, and Westport Technical School Site Bill, The Council ratified the agreenmt between Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand in respect to the administration of Nauru Island. BOARD OF TRADE BILL. The Council decided to insist upon itai amendments to the Board of Trade Bill, with which the House of Representatives had disagreed. Sir Francis Bell said he anticipated that a modification of the Council's suggestion that charges of profiteering should be based on the price of a single j line nf goods, and its further suggestion [ that both Houses, instead of only one—the House of Representatives —should pass a resolution which, should it be i desired to disapprove of any of the Board of Trade regulations, could be made to meet the wishes of the House. The Hons. Ban', Hawke, and HallJones were appointed managers to confer with managers from the House upon the matters in dispute. A HAWKE'S BAY BILL. In committee on the Hawke's Bay Rivers Bill, the Hon. W. J. Geddes moved to re-insert a clause providing that a loan for protective works may be raised without a poll of ratepayers. The amendment was carried by 17 votes to 9, and the Bill, as amended, was put through committee. The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30 p.m. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr. Witty, the Premier said he did not believe there was any restriction placed on soldiers selling produce from seed supplied by the Government without a permit, but he would make inquiry. Replying to Mr. Wilford, Mr. Massey said ha would consult the chief electoral officer with regard to enabling keepers of lighthouses to record their votes at the general election. In reply to a question, Mr. Massey sajd the Railway Commission's report was not before Cabinet. Replying to Mr. Field (Otaki), Sir ,Fumes Allen said shelters were being prepared at their own homes for consumptive cases for whom nothing more could be done at a sanatorium. Other shelters were being set up at hospitals nearest their own homes- He was under the impression that all cases under treatment at To Makato had been removed to Waipukurau. If not, they would be removed at the earliest possible moment. Replying to Mr. Parr, the Hon. W. Nosworthy said officers of the Agricultural Department were now in America studying up-to-date methods of fruit growing, and nothing would be done in the direction of establishing experimental fruit farms in the North Auckland district until they returned, which would probably be in a few months. Replying to Sir Joseph Ward, Mr. Massey said the High Commissioner had signified his intention to accept an extension of his term of office till February next. No appointment would, or could be made until February. Replying to Mr. Field (Otaki), Mr. Massey said there was no truth in the statement that the Government had been offered a loan last year in England to purchase a line of steamers to trade between the Old Country and New Zealand. SAFETY IN THE MINES. The second reading of the Coal Mines Amendment Bill was moved toy Sir William Fraser, who explained improvements designed to preserve the safety of the life of miners.

Mr. Semple said that although he was disappointed that the Bill did not embrace all the mines, he thought the measure was acceptable, except the provision under which a permit might be obtained (through the Minister), for an unskilled man to be placed in charge of the face. Such a man might cause a great disaster- Mr, Semple asked that this clause be deleted. It's passage was fraught with possibilities of industrial trouble.

Mr. Holland hoped a comprehensive Brll dealing with the whole mining industry of the country would be brought ■down next session. He endorsed Mr. Semple's condemnation of the clause, •which, if put in operation, could be used to defeat the miners in industrial trouble, but such tactics might, also lead to another tragedy, such as that at Huntly. The Minister declined to withdraw the clause, which he said might be necessary to enable a perfectly competent, but not a legally qualified man, to be employed in case of urgency. A similar clause ! was in force in New South Wales. The Bill was read a second time and committed.

On Clause lf>, Mr. P. Fraser urged that in permitting the possibility of inexperienced men being placed in charge of a mining face, the House would be incurring grave responsibility. Mr. Semple. declared that men accustomed to work only in a quarfz mine would be incompetent in a coal mine, and a source of danger in a gassy mine. He appealed to memlbers to vote against the clause. If it was adopted it would lead to serious industrial trouble. He Vleclared the clause was suggested by » majn'ber of the Mine Owners' Association. The men in the mines had the last word, however, in the mines, and if any attempt was made to enforce an alteration of the law as suggested they would not hesitate to act so as to pro. •iteot their own life and limbs. Mr. Wilford urged the Minister to consider carefully the representations made by the previous speakers. Sir Joseph Ward said the proposal would place power in the hands of the Government which it was not wise should be there. He opposed the Bill.

The Minister stated the clause was {necessary in order that, in the event of emergency, coal could be mined to enable necessary industries to be carried on. If industrial trouble should arise Lthffi- aunt

wore competent people in the country who could be utilised, in such an emergency. No Minister was likely to send incompetent men into dangerous workings. He understood the attitude of the miners' representatives, and he spoke plainly as he had been asked to. The words put in this Bill would have a salutary effect on those who might be inclined to cause trouble. The discussion was continuing when the House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. THE EVENING SESSION. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Continuing the discussion on the Coal Mines Bill, Mr. Holland said the Minister had referred to the observance of' law. Mr. Holland recalled the 1013 industrial troubles, when the Government helped to set laws aside by the formation of illegal unions to defeat the watersiders and other strikers, Sir William Fraaer, at this point, admitted there anight be a possibility of the Minister falling into error, but he hoped never to see such a Minister. He, however, was prepared to add to the clause the following words: "Provided the Minister shall not exercise the power except in urgent cases, and then on the I recommendation of a Judge of the | Supreme Court, who may hear evidence on the subject." He thought there could be no question of the integrity of a Judge. There was no desire to interfere with any personal, liberties, and this amendment would prevent arbitrarv action on the part of the Minister. Mr. Witty thought the amendment should be acceptable. Mr. Semple contended the amendment did not do away with the Government's power to use the Act for strike breaking. Mr. Isitt supported the proposed amendment.

Mr. McCombs opposed the amendment on the ground that it simply transferred the ultimate responsibility from the Minister to a man who was not responsible to Parliament. He suggested the Minister's action under the clause might be made contingent on the approval of Parliament, which represented a great third patty, the public. Mr. Holland quoted Mr. Justice Sankey's report recommending the admission of Labor to participation in the management of an industry wherein it was concerned.

Mr. Seddon considered the Bill as introduced was better than the amendment, but the Act of 1914 was batter than either. It was a case of safety first, and they had seen how the Act of 1914 had worked.

Mr. Veitch considered the most important matter was the preservation of men's lives and limbs. The House could not sacrifice life for the advantage of any party to an industrial dispute. The Hon. G. W. Russell protested against taking away the safeguard contained in the existing Act. The Minister pointed out that the action suggested to be permitted would not be taken in normal times. If Parliament passed this proviso it should be accepted as the judgment of the people's representatives. Mr. Semple declared it was the mineowners who really desired to see the clause enacted. He quoted one statement by an owners' representative that "they looked upon the miner as a piece of merchandise—sometliing to -be bought anJ sold."

Sir Joseph Ward said he would L-ot l.e a party to risking life to meet strike conditions. These should be wet in another manner. This clause was me of expediency and the Minister would be well advised to withdraw it.

Sir John Findlay said the Minuter had assured the House that the clanse aimed only at meeting extreme cases, but speakers had argued it woakl be used in every case of strike. The highest law was the safety of the State. An occasion might arise in which the whole community's interests would be at stake through the action of a sjction of the community, and there should he means for meeting such a condition. He believed judges would be relied upon to exercise judgment in the best interests of the community. On resuming after supper the Minister's proposed addition to the clause • was adopted on the voices. A division was then taken on the clause as amended and resulted: Ayes, 33; Noes, 19. The Bill was reported, the amendment agreed to, and the Bill was read a third time and passed. ' BOARD OF TRADE BILL. Messrs Massey, Mac Donald, and Hornsby were appointed managers to meet managers from the Legislative Council in reference to the latter's amendments to the Board of Trade Bill NEW BILLS. On Mr. Massey's motion, the Maori Representation Bill was introduced and read a first time. The Statutes Repeal and Expiring Laws Continuance Bill was introduced by Governor's message and read a first time. COLLECTION OF DEATH DUTY. By courtesy of the Premier, Mr. Wilford made a statement in support of a petition asking that the death duty be not collected on the gift of the library made by the late Mr. A. H. Turnbull to the King. He pointed out that the library was Valued at anything from £50,000 to £BO,OOO, while the residuary estate was valued at £26,000, which, by the will, ivas to be divided between three beneficiaries. The Stamp Department was proposing to collect death duty on the total value of the estate, which could only be paid out of the residuary estate, which meant the estate, worth £IOO.OOO, would be reduced to £16,000, divided between three beneficiaries, which, he thought, was scarcely a fair thing, seeing that such a valuable part of the estate had been given as a gift no the King. ELECTRIC SCHEMES. \ Sir William Frascr moved the second reading of the Electric Works Loan Bill. He explained that the measure provided for the prosecution of the Mangahao and Arapuni schemes and the purchase of the Horahora works from the Waihi Gold-mining Company. The advantages of Horahora must be apparent from lie fact that it was already in operation, and although their value might to some extent be decreased when Arapuni was in operation, it still would be useful as a link between other systems. The price was £212,500 and he thought a good bargain had been made. The Waihi Company would ho provided with power ■up to two thousand horsepower, for Nvhioh it would pay 110/- per horsepower annually. The Minister also explained the provision necessary to transmit power to districts within reach of Horahora. It would take eight months to get the transmission lines into operation. The present plant produces 8500-hp. and 8000 more could be generated with additional turbines. I

Sir Joseph Ward approved the purchase of Horahora, he thought Uw Waihi 498* iwli out

~ 1 1 "'"I!" ■|- Df the bargain. He asked if the Mb* j later could give the House an estimate of the depreciation and revenue deriv* ' able from the undertaking. j The Hon. A. M. Myers declared thftt I the Horahora purchase was a good tUat in the interests of the country, whieh was usable forthwith, whereas Art* puni could not be available for a cos. ' sideraibla time. Mr. Pearce considered the best scheme would be to push on with the Arapuni works. Horahora. and other null schemes meant a policy of tinkering with the power supply, leaving Tart* naki and Hawke's Bay unprovided for. Mr. Poland endorsed the parchtie of the Horahora works, if it was only as a standby to supplement the larger works at Arapuni. All he asked was that the work should be pushed on with the utmost speed. Messrs. Parr and Young supported the Bill. | Messrs, Hunter and Ngata advocated the Waikaremoana scheme. The defeate was continued by MessrsLuke, McCailum. Buddo, Shod** (Thames), and Veitch. After midnight the Minister replied during the course of which he etrwed . tlij need for setting up a permanent board to manage the commercial life of electric power schemes. As soon, as ' labor was available the work ahmild be . started on the Waikaremoana scheme*to link up with the Mangahao and Aro* puni schemes. * The Bill was then read a second tine and the House went into committee ®ti the measure, which was passed unamended in a few minutes, without discussion. The Bill was read a third time and passed. , COMPANIES AMENDMENT Sir Jas. AUen moved the second read* ingot the Companies Amendment Bill. He explained the Bill gave protection mortgages given on security of un- i called capital of public companies. The Bill passed all stages unamended. THE HOUSING BILL. On the motion of Mr. Mum the amendments made by the Legltiatite Council in the Housing Bill were (freed "to. The Premier said several further amendments to this Bill have to be brought down by Governor's manage. i THE COUNTIES BILL. The amendments in the Counties .Amendment Bill were also agreed to. ' The House rose at 12.40. , POLITICAL THE RICCARTON SEAT. By Telegraph.—Press Association./ Christchurch, Lost Night. Mr J. Robertson (ex-M.P. for Otald), ivho is contesting the Ricacrton xMt in the Labor Party's interests, opened his campaign to-night. He spoke in support of the party's platform. Ha said he knew Mr. Witty, the sitting member, and had a high regard for him personally, but tliey must remember •that Mr. Witty, in supporting the Liberals, was (bound in many ways when the party whip cracked. A vote of thanks and confidence in Mr. Robertson was moved, and an amendment that the meeting thanks Mf. Kolertson for his addresß, but has every confidence in its present member, tw ciso moved. The chairman declared the motion carried by an overwhelming majority.