HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7820, 12 June 1909, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WELLINGTON, June 11. The House met at 10.30... Mr HerdmStt, m introducing his linl dealing with the Public Service, said the object was to remedy existing abuses. The service was stuffed with officials totally unable to carry out tli£ duties of the Public Service. A Board I should be instituted. The unsatisfactory state of the poli-e. m Wellington was due to political influ6ilc«. After discussion, the Bill was ordered to bo read that day fortnight-. The House rose, at 1 p.m The House resumed at 2.30 p.m. AD'rmESS-IN-REPLY. Mr G. W. Forbes moved the Ad-dress-in-Reply. He outlined the wise and statesmanlike policy of the Government m connection with defence. The effect of Sir Joseph Ward's presence at the Imperial Defence Conference would be "very good. It would be unfair to the Premier to continue the session m his absence, m view of the important legislation to be dealt with. Mr E. H. Taylor (Thames) seconded the motion. ; Mr Massey moved to strike out the line m the Address-in-Reply affirming the desirability of the early prorogation of Parliament. He said the' country was waiting for social and land, legislation. He was anxious, like the member for Hurunui, to break up land monopoly, but. the Government was the greatest ■ land monopolist. He protested against the adjournment of. the session till October. _ Australia and Canada were not sending their Prime Ministers to the Naval Conference. Emphasis, had been laid on the necessity of the Premier being present m Parliament to explain the Government's, policy. What wss their- policy? They had none. Their policy was to retain office at any^ price. People were leaving ihe dominion m hundreds every week; 1600 left last month in.j excess of arrivals. Mr Massey went on to say that he did not intend his amendment as a want of confidence motion, but simply as a protest against the postponement of the session. Mr C. A. C. Hardy seconded the amendment. . . . • The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. . Mr Wilford continued the debate on the Address-in-Reply. Mr Newman opposed the adjourn- 1 ment of the session, on the grounds of urgent business requiring attention. Mr Poole urged the need for compulsory military training. Sir Joseph Ward recapitulated his arguments m support of his representing the dominion at the Naval Conference, and the adjournment of Parliament, and concluded with an appeal to all parties to sink all differences. On the motion of Mr Buick, the debafe was adjourned. THE DREADNOUGHT OFFER. I Sir Joseph Ward gave notice to move—'_' That this House approves of the action of the Government m its offers of assistance to the Imperial Navy, m the terms conveyed to the Home Government m the despatch of 27th March." The House rose at 11.30 p.m.