ONE MORE WEEK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 April 1938, Page 8

ONE MORE WEEK

HEALTH & SUPERANNUATION INQUIRY. PREMIER REJECTS PROTESTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 27. After today week no further evidence will be heard by the Select Committee on National Health .and State Superannuation. This decision was arrived at by the committee yesterday, when it refused the New Zealand Farmers’ Union an extension of time to present its case. “We must have a stopping place,” said the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon M. J. Savage, who added that in order to finish by the middle of next week it was proposed to sit on Saturday and Monday and at night if necessary. After some discussion on the subject with the Dominion Secretary of the Farmers’ Union (Mr A. P. O’Shea) the Prime Minister moved that the Farmers’ Union be heard on Tuesday next, and that Wednesday week be the last day for the taking of evidence. On the suggestion of the chairman (the Rev A. H. Nordmeyer) it was agreed to put the motion in two parts, the first to read "that the Farmers’ Union be heard any day between now and Tuesday next.” This was carried. Before the second part of the motion was put, Mr H. S. S. Kyle (Opposition, Riccarton) said that the committee might like to call certain departmental officers but might find itself unable to fit them in between now and Wednesday week.

The chairman: “If it appears that there is anybody likely to be cut out I am sure the committee would be prepared to meet in the evening.”

The Prime Minister: "That was the understanding when we took a week off. I am proposing now that we close on Wednesday week. We can sit all night if necessary.”

Mr S. G. Holland (Opposition, Christchurch North): "1 am prepared to work, but I am not prepared to sit all night and injure my health. It is not a reasonable proposition, especially when we have a Government supporting a 40-hour week. lam not prepared to ask the Government staff to work morning, noon and night. We haven't held up the inquiry in any way. It is an enormous problem we are seeking to solve, and we should take proper time to do the job in our proper senses.” The motion was carried. The Hon J. G. Cobbe (Opposition. Oroua) and Messrs Kyle and Holland voted against it.