ADDRESS-IN-REPLY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 July 1939, Page 5

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY

SIX SPEAKERS YESTERDAY DEFENCE OF GUARANTEED PRICE. NATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Two Ministers of the Crown were among the six speakers who took part in the Address-in-Reply debate, which was continued in the House of Representatives yesterday. They were the Minister of. Agriculture, Mr Lee Marlin, and the Attorney-General, Mr Mason. By occupying 20 minutes only Mr McKeen (Government, Wellington South) gained the distinction of being the first speaker since the start of the debate three weeks ago not to seek an extension of the normal half-hour speaking time. Contributions from the Opposition side of the House were made by Mr Bodkin (Central Otago) and Sir Apirana Ngata (Eastern Maori). Mr Bodkin stressed the need for a complete modification of the Government’s policy. He said that unless this was done the country would be in a worse position at the end of the year than at present. The revival of the Maori Pioneer battalions was advocated by Sir Apirana Ngata, who said that the British Empire had been, built on the gospel of might anil could only survive so long as it kept its armour bright. The guaranteed price scheme for dairy produce was discussed by Mr Martin. He said it had not only stabilised the dairy-farmers’ position but had increased their incomes. Returns showed that primary production had increased in some districts. The progress made with Native land development schemes was reviewed by MiMason, who is acting as Native Minister. He said that outstanding grievances would be sympathetically considered if brought forward. Mr Nordmeyer (Government, Oamaru) was speaking when the House adjourned at 10.30 p.m. ‘till today.