PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 October 1922, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPLIES TO QUESTIONS PRICE OF NAURU PHOSPHATES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Th© House of Representatives met at 7.30 p.m. Replying to Mr. T. M. Wilford (Leader of the Opposition), Mr. Massey said no application had yet been made to him for financial assistance towards the industrial exhibition shortly to be held in Christchurch, but his sympathies were entirely with this and similar exhibitions, and if he could, assist it in any way he would be pleased to do so. Replying to Mr. G. W. Forbes (Hurunui), the Hon. W. Nosworthy said the first, shipment of Nauru phosphates subject to the reduced price had only just arrived in Auckland, and had not yet been placed on the market. Thpt would account for the fact that farmers wer e still being asked to pay the old price. In reply to Mr. W. S. Glenn (Rangitikei), the Hon. G. J. Anderson said an effort would be made next spawning season to stock rivers on the west coast of the North Island with Atlantic salmon. Replying to Mr. D. Jones (Kaiapoi), the Hon. W. D. Stewart said the matter of an agreement between New Zealand and Australia in reference to oats was in abeyance for the present. Australia’s offer was not sufficiently attractive, and he felt compelled to decline it. The matter might be re-opened next year. THE RAILWAYS ACT. An amendment of the Government Railways Act was brought down by Governor’s message. The Hon. D. H. Guthrie explained that the Bill referred to the carriage of lime, the Government having been “got at’’ by farmers ordering more than they required and then handing the balance over to merchants, who were able to dispose of it on better terms than if they ordered it themselves. The Bill also gave effect to an arrangement made between the E.F.C. Association and the department. There was also provision for appointing scrutineers in connection with the superannuation fund. CONTROL OF HARBORS. The Harbors Amendment Bill was also introduced by Governor’s message. The Hon. G. J. Anderson explained that with one exception the amendments were those recommended by the harbors conference. One departmental amendment dealt with mud flats under the control of harbor boards. The House rose at 11.30 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.