DAY ON ESTIMATES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 September 1939, Page 6

DAY ON ESTIMATES

PROCEEDINGS IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES URGENCY ON FIFTEEN CLASSES. STEAMER MAUI POMARE CRITICISED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The House of Representatives met today at 10.30 a.m. when the Property Law' Amendment Bill was received back from the Legislative Council with two amendments, designed to simplify the Bill, which were accepted by the Attorney-General (Mr Mason). The House then proceeded with consideration of the Estimates, urgency being accorded the passing of fifteen classes on the motion of the ActingPrime Minister, Mr Fraser, who explained that urgency was designed merely to expedite their passing and that it would not mean that the House would sit beyond the usual hour. The vote of £26,000 for the Prime Minister’s Department was passed with little discussion and the House next considered the Department of External Affairs estimate of £214,722. Discussing the latter vote, Mr W. J. Broadfoot coffiplamed of the condition in which Samoan bananas arrived in New Zealand. The Rt Hon G. W. Forbes contended that the steamer Maui Pomare was not suitable for the Islands fruit trade. The Acting-Minister of External Affairs said that while she was not altogether suitable, it would be uneconomical to scrap her. The vote was passed. Discussing the Customs’ Department vote of £174,958. Mr Mason, replying to a question by Mr W. J. Polson, who asked if all the European refugees being admitted to New Zealand would make desirable citizens, said particulars regarding each migrant were sent to the Minister of Customs and the Minister himself made the final selection. He felt that if any people had been admitted to the country who might be regretted, the number would be very small indeed. The vote was passed, as was the Stamp Duties’ Department vote of £103,000. The Prisons’ Department estimate of £303,000 was under discussion when, the House adjourned for lunch.