PARLIAMENT YESTERDAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3994, 29 July 1915, Page 6

PARLIAMENT YESTERDAY.

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Press Association Telegram.) WELLINGTON, .July 28. The Legislative Couticil met at 2.80 p.m. The Imprest Supply Bill for £903,000 passed all -stages. The Cooik Islands Bill was read a second time, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. When the' Sp-akor announced tho result of the liquor poll at Bellamys, lion. Air Carson asked, as it was open voting, would the ballot- bo on tend in the journals of tho Council ? The Speaker said that had not been tbci practice. Hon. Air. Carson said he was .awareof tho practice, but ho wanted to know what was necessary under the Statute. Hon. Sir E. Bell said he thought tho matter was governed byjhe practice of the past, and tho matter was dropped. lion. Mr. Camorass was elected Chairman of Committees. Hon. Sir F. 801 l congratulated Mr. CariUTOSs on Iris election, and also congratulated the Council on having one so competent to fill the position. 'The Council adjourned at 3.15 p.m. THE HOUSE. The House met at 2.30 p.m. 'The Speaker announced that tho poll taken on whether or not liquor should be sold at Bellamy’s had resulted as follows:—Legislative Council—etyes 19, nocs 13; Mouse—ayes 41, noes 31. Totals—ayes 60, nocs 44. The Speakers of both- Houses had met and authorised the sale of liquor to continue. 'Phe following Bills; were introduced and read a first time:—Auckland City Markets and Empowerim* Bill (Air. Parr), Wellington City Empowering Act 190 S Amendment Bill (Air. Wright), Local Elections (Proportional Representation) Amendment Bill (Mr. McComhs), Wellington City Basin Reserve Bill (Air. Wright), Alangawhom County Bill (Air. Smith). The Native Minister laid on t:io table the- Departmental report on Native Land Courts and Land Boards. Sir Joseph Ward said it would. bo interesting to have particulars of the native lands purchased during the past two years and held for speculative purposes. Ali‘. Homes said no large blocks had been purchased. Under his Act speculators had been scotched. _By his legislation the AEaori Councils were now composed of a better class of men, and he was certain no land was now being acquired not in accordance with, the Maori Land Law. His endeavor was to give more purchasing power to the Crown and less to tho individual. He had no knowledge of any lands being bought for speculative purposes. The Minister for Finance laid on tho table the report of flic Advances to Settlers Department. Sir Joseph Ward said he was of opinion that- the profit in the Advances to Settlers’ branch was £24,000 less than last year, and on the Advances to Local Bodies branch £14,000 less than lost year. He would like to have some explanation on the subject. Mr. Allen replied that Sir Joseph Ward had evidently not read the report. which stated that- the loss was entirely due to the unxenmnerat-ive rate of interest. Sir Joseph Ward said he had read the report, but- that did not account for the discrepancy, lie wanted a return showing the. transactions of the office during the past two years. Mr. Allen said lie- was prepared to lay on the table any report asked for. The Premier read telegrams which had passed between himself and the Union Company on the subject of shipping space for produce in the South. Tiie arrangements ho (ALT. Massey) considered, very satisfactory. The remainder of the sitting was taken up with tho discussion ou the answers to questions. Replying to Air. Myers, the Prime Minister said the Government bad noticed what was being done in Britain and Australia with regard to national registration. The subject would be dealt with before the session comes to an end. Tho matter of appointing a permanent Board to inquire into matters concerning trade, industries and commerce was receiving careful consideration by the Government. Replying to Dr. Newman, the Minister for Defence said arrangements were made with the Imperial authorities to send back to New Zealand sick and wounded who would not be available again for the firing line. Replying to Air Alyers, the Alinistor for Defence said discretionary nowers had been exercised by examiners for some time past- in the direction of accepting men for enlistment- slightly below the military standard of height. Replying to Air. Russell, Mr. Aden said the Public Service Commissioner was being consulted as to whether it was practicable to pay the salaries of public servants weekly. Replying to Dr. Thacker, the- Aiinistor for Health said men suffering from eerebro spinal meningitis were in the first sanitary conditions obtainable.