NEW LEGISLATION

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20922, 29 September 1939, Page 9

NEW LEGISLATION

MATERNITY BENEFITS DRINKING AT DANCES VARIED OPINIONS IN HOUSE (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) WELLINGTON, Thursday Measures on the Order Paper, including the Bill imposing special indirect taxation for war purposes, i were considered by the House of i Representatives today. Although it had been hoped some days ago that it would be possible to finish the session this week, the acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, informed members that this would not be practicable, in view of the legislation still to be dealt with. He gave an outline of the legislative programme for the remainder of the | session, and indicated quite plainly :that some of the measures might be controversial. Another instalment of new legislation was introduced today. The agreement made between the Government and the New Zealand Branch of the British Medical Association for the provision of medical services in relation to maternity benefits is given legislative effect by the Social Security Amendment Bill, which also removes several anomalies experienced in the administration of age benefits. Several clauses of general interest were brought down for inclusion in the Statutes Amendment Bill. One j prohibits the drinking of intoxicating l liquor in public halls or in the vicinity of them, and another gives power to establish a special court to hear workers’ compensation cases. Liquor Question After the Customs Acts Amendment Bill had been passed, a discussion lasting more than two hours took place on the proposal to prohibit drinking at dances. Among members on both sides of the House there was a complete lack of unanimity as to the necessity for the clause. It was referred to the ; Statutes Amendment Committee. The House rose at 1.3 a.m.