IN PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3661, 24 October 1912, Page 5

IN PARLIAMENT.

YESTERDAY’S PROCEEDINGS

PAKATOA AND ROTOROA

[PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM] WELLINGTON, Oct, 23

Mr .Herdman presented a report from Mr Kettle, S.M., on Pakatoa and Rotoroa Islands (inebriate homes). The report states, inter alia, that every effort was made by the Salvation Army authorities to make the. inmates comfortable. They had expressed gratitude for the manner in which they had been treated. The homes liad fully justified their existence. Mr Kettle suggested that the inmates might lie let out on probation after a certain period of detention. He re-' ported that the holding of political meetings and canvassing for votes die*, not tend towards the promotion of discipline on the Islands. MR ALLEN’S TRIP HOME. Mr Myers asked the .Minister for Finance whether it was a fact that £75,C00 was to be raised for the Public Works fund. Mr Allen replied that the money had to be raised. Mr Russell asked the Premier whether it was the intention to send the Minister for 'Finance to England. Mr Massev replied that the Government did intend to follow that eoursee and that Mr Allen would go Home as soon as possible after the session ended. Mr Myers asked if Air Allen would officially attend sittings of Clio Imperial Defence Committee. Mr Massey replied that tin* 11 alter had not been considered.

NO OPPOSITION LEADS”. Replying to Mr Brown the Premier stated that he did not intend to reply to the notice of motion standing in Air Brown’s name censuring the Government for its discontinuation of co-operative railway works unless he had the written authority of the Leader of the Opposition. Air Brown said that was unfair to him as the Opposition had no leader. The House passed a resolution of appreciation of the services rendered by the late Air F. lS\ Weston, of New Plymouth. VARIOUS QUESTIONS. Ministers, replying to various questions, said a specific inquiry will bo made into the question of impersonation and transfer of immigrants’ certificates in Britain. The present arrangements in regard to the Government grading of grain are not satisfactory, and the Chambers of Commerce in grain-ex-porting districts have been asked for their views on the subject. On receipt of tlieir replies the whole matter will receive careful attention.

The-High Commissioner has been instructed to invite applications in the United Kingdom for the position of General Manager of Railways. Should applications be received from countries outside Great Britain they will lie forwarded to the Government for consideration. It is intended to confer the appointment on the most suitable applicant who must, however. have, had practical railway experience.

An endeavor will he made to give effect to Air Ell’s suggestion for the installation of slot telephones at all country post offices where the toll is 6d or Is, the telephone to be switched on when the country office is closed.