PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2649, 3 November 1909, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

DATE OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

[Per Press Association.l WELLINGTON. Nov. 2

The House met at 2.50 p.m. The Premier stated that he proposed to introduce the Financial Statement on Wednesday night Aveek, and that •Parliament Avonld not sit on Tuesday next, the King’s Birthday.

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS BILL.

The House Avent into committee on the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Bill. Mr Luke moved that the Avords “31st March” in clause 2 be deleted, and “30th June” substituted. After some discussion Mr. Luke withdrew the motion, announcing that lie Avould bring it forward later on.

On clause 9, section. 2, Avhich provides that the number of representatives of each contributing district shall be determined by the Governor-in-Council, having regard! both to relative populations and also to the .relative values of rateable property of the district, Mr. Allen said that too much power Avas left to the Governor-in-Council, and that no definite basis Avas laid down as to representation. Messrs Hall, Buchanan, Luke, Witty and Anderson urged similar objections. Mr; Stalhvorthy moved to delete the word “both” from the section as a protest against a property qualification. Messrs Ha nan, McLaren, Taylor, and Hogg supported the amendment. Messrs Anderson and Buiclc opposed the amendment, Avhich Avas lost on the voices.

On section 3, clause 9, Mr. Witty moved to strike out thq word “twenty” and substitute twelve as the maximum number of memliers of a board.

The amendment was lost by 33 to .23. On clause 12, section 1, providing that the representatives on boards of any contributory ! district shall be elected by the electors of the contributory local authority of that district, Mr. Davey moved to omit all words alter “electors.” and substitute the words “whose names appear on the Parliamentary roll.” The Hon. G. . Fowlds said that there were difficulties in the way of extending the franchise as proposed by the amendment. The cost would be very great ,as a new roll would be required. Mr. Herdman said that the extension of the franchise would result in bad management. He attributed the graft and corruption in connection with the poor law' system in England to the system of election. Messrs Hanan and Luke supported the motion. Dr. Newman moved the deletion of the w'ords “the electors of,” which Avould relegate the power of electing representatives to the contributory local authority. Messrs Guthrie, Bollard and Buchanan supported Dr. Newsman’s motion. Mr. Massey said the present system was satisfactory and economical, and ought to be adhered to with the difference that the Boards. should be elected by individual members of the local bodies, as suggested by Mr. Lang. Mr. Davey’s motion was impossible. The Hon. G. Fowlds, in reply, said that the clause was a- mean between two extremes advocated in the House for and against election on the Parliamentary franchise. The House rose at 5.30 p.m. At the evening sitting the debate on Dr. Newman’s amendment w’as continued by Messrs Buick, Baume, Hogg, Fraser, Laurenson, Witty, and Taylor. On a division the amendment was lost by 43 to 18. Mr. Davey’s amendment was discussed by Mr. McLaren, Sir W. JSteward, Messrs Fisher. Reed, Anderson, Wright, Massey, Buchanan, and Allen. On a division the amendment was lost by 38 to 28. Sir 'W. J. SteAvard proposed a subclause to clause 9, providing that the Avifc or husband of e\'ery elector be deemed an elector and have a A'ote. The Hon. G. FoavMs said he could not accept this, as it w T as open to the same objection as the amendment just neaatived. The amendment was defeated by 40 to 20. Sir W. J. Steward moved the deletion of clause 22, section 1, providing for the appointment of a. member of the medical staff to the Board jvhen the hospital staff exceeds five medical practitioners. The Hon. G. Fowlds said he was willing to abide by the decision of the House on the matter. Messrs Witty, Taylor, Craigie, and Hogg sppported, and Messrs Guthrie, Bollard and Hardy opposed the amendment. , , The Hon. G. Fowlds suggested making the clause optional, by making the appointment subject to the request of the Board. The House divided on Mr. r oAvlds proposal, which was lost by 32 to 30. The motion to delete the claAise Avas then put and carried by 42 to 21. (Left Sitting.)