PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2293, 11 September 1908, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

WEDNESDAY EVENING’S SITTING.

[Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, Sept. 10. • In the House after midnight, on , the motion of Hon. G. Fowlds that u proviso bo inserted to the effect . that first assistants shall not lie pro- 1 mo ted to a headinastership in tlio J same school, the Minister’s amend- J inont was agreed to, and clause 12 was passed. ' Some minor amendments were made '' ind a new clause was added providing 1 i'or holding the election of Boards in 1 accordance with the regulations which will obviate the signing of ballot papers. Mr. T. M. Wilford moved a new clause in favor of uniform school books. 'Tile clause was carried by 30 to 23, but the lion. G. Fowlds refused to accept tile clause. Progress was reported, and the House rose at 1.26 a.m. * LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. AFTERNOON BITTING. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. 'The amendments made by the House to the Town Boards Amendment Bill were agreed to. The Civil Service Amendment Bill and the Taupo No. 2 Block Bill were put through committee, read a third time, and passed. The Council adjourned at- 3 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Mr. G. Laurenson presented a petition of 11,260 signatures, praying for a repeal of compulsory vaccination. On the report of the Petitions Committee on tile petition of Thomas Walker, late manager of the Werearoa State farm industrial school, for redress the committee had no recommendation to make. Mr. F. Lawry said that Walker had been one of the most competent officers the State ever had, but having incurred the displeasure or animosity of Government officials he had been dismissed without a reason being assigned, and a satellite of Hon. G. Fowlds, who knew nothing of fanning, had been put in his place. This was the most disgraceful job he had. ever heard of. Mr. J. A. Hanan, Chairman of the Education Committee, said that there was no claim for wrongful dismissal in the petition, but only a claim for alleged defamation of character. Air. Hanan objected to the House being used as a Supreme Court to hear actions for defamation of character. If the petitioner was aggrieved he had the usual remedy. The report was referred back to the committee. The Impounding Act Amendment Bill was reported from committee with amendments. In committee on the Agricultural Produce Sale and Importation Bil,, Hon. R. McNab explained that the object of the measure was to induce indent agents to exercise proper care against selling any produce which they have reasonable cause to believe contains the seed of any injurious plant or to bo affected with any disease. Mr. Donald Reid moved to amend clause 3 by adding after the word “seed” the words “in a state fit to germinate.” This was agreed to, and the House rose ‘at- 5.30 p.m. ‘ EVENING SITTING. The House resumed in committee at 7.30 p.m. The debate on noxious weeds was continued at considerable length. Amendments w T ere agreed to reducing the penalty to £lO, and providing in the case of a conviction for the annulling of the sale and the refund of the purchase money. The Bill was reported with amendments. Hon. J, A. Millar moved the second reading of the Inspection of Machinery Amendment Act, which extends the definition of boilers and machinery for inspection purposes, and requires a certificated engineer to be iu charge of an engine and boiler. Various other amendmnts to the principal Act were included in the direction of bringing the law more into conformity with the exigencies of present conditions and latest developments. Mr. W. F. Massey thought the Bill was a good one. He said that under it windmills would have to be inspected. That, seemed unnecessary. He thought; also, that harvesting machinery would have to be inspected. Air. Alassey criticised some technical provisions of the Bill, and thought the schedule fees too heavy. He insisted upon the necessity of inspecting the boilers of steam trolleys. Everything should be done that was necessary for public safety, but- nothing harassing to the owners of machinery. In the course of the discussion that ensued, it was stated that license fees would be harassing to industries using small appliances under pressure. The necessity was emphasised for an examination test for drivers of motorcars, and also a speed limit by statute. Air. J. Allen did not see why marine conditions should be applied in the case of private-owned boilers, when less onerous conditions sufficed on the railways. Hon. J. A. Millar replied to criticisms, and the second reading was carried on the voices. Hon. R. Ale Nab moved the committal of the Declaratory Judgment Bill to enable a person to obtain Courts, by anticipation, to enter an interpretation of the statutes. This would enable a person proposing to lend money to a company or local body to ascertain whether the loan was ultra vires or not. Several members expressed the view that the Bill was excellent, but- that it- required some consideration in committee. The Bill was committed. At clause 11, discussion took place as to whether the Arbitration Court could be bound by a declaratory judgment obtained precedent to a suit from the Supreme Court. Air. A. R. Barclay objected to this as bad policy. Clause 12 was amended by the insertion of the words “subject to any decision of the Privy Council.” A new clause was added in regard to costs. The Bill was reported, and the House rose at 11.58 p.m.