THE COMING SESSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1922, Page 5

THE COMING SESSION.

TAXATION POLICY MEASURE. NAVAL CONTRIBUTION By Telegraph.—Press Association Christchurch, May 27. Interviewed, Mr. Massey said with reference to the coming session of Parliament that it was quite impossible to forecast the length of the session, but it would be necessary to finish in time to hold the general election at the usual time. Amongst the coining legislation would be the annual Taxation Bill and a policy measure dealing with taxation, but he was unable to say definitely what it would contain. Referring to railway reform the appointment of an official for each Island would be made as soon as the general manager returned to Wellington. It was possible the Otira tunnel would be open for passenger traffic by Christmas, but the engineers’ strike in England might delay material for the tunnel. In connection with N<-.w Zealand’s naval contribution, this coaid not be fixed until the next Imperial Conference, the date of which was not yet settled. As far as her population and ability were concerned New Zealand was willing to do her share. According to liis recollection five more payments had yet to be made on the cost of H.M S. New Zealand.

LOCAL BODIES BANKING ACCOUNTS QUARTER MILLION FOR UNEMPLOYED. Christchurch, May 27. A deputation of the City Council and other local bodies waited on the Premier and asked that legislation be passed providing that loan moneys lying to credit and temporarily not being utilised be set off against debit balances, and that interest be paid on the residue. At the present time credit and debit accounts to public bodies are distinctly separate, and bodies concerned have to pay interest on debit balances while at the same time large sums of loan money may be lying at their credit without earning interest. Mr. Massey said if the banks raised •no objection the Government would get over the difficulty by Order-in-Council, and next session legislation would be introduced to meet the point, which required clearing up. He hoped to be able to make matters much more satisfactory than at present. Replying to the deputation regarding unemployment Mr. Massey said £250,000 would be available for works for unemployed this winter. He would like local bodies to do more than they had done. The Government would do everything it could to provide work. The money should be expended on works of a permanent character. Regarding unemployed soldier’s, the Government would do its best to see that none were unemployed.