PARLIAMENT OF NEW ZEALAND.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7823, 16 June 1909, Page 3

PARLIAMENT OF NEW ZEALAND.

HOUSE ,OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON, June 16. The House met at 10.30. . In reply to Mr T. E. Taylor, The Premier said that the Government _ would go into the question of granting old age pensions to people possessing homes, without reduction. In answer to Mr Jennings, The Premier said that lie would make full enquiries into the question of provision for old soldiers, and set lip a permauen t body to make recommendations; otherwise there would be no finality m the matter. Mr T. E. Taylor asked if m view of the amount set apart for the increase of rolling stock, the men dismissed from'Addiugtoii would bo reinstated; but Sir Joseph Ward could give no assurance beyond that, if sufficient work should offer, they would be taken on again. The Premier moved the third Teading of the Finance Bill. Mr Massey regretted the attack by the Premier'on the Wellington; members; they could have obstructed, and did not. He denied that the credit of the country had been damaged by the Opposition. It was true that money was leaving the country, and that it was impossible for the Government to replace it. Members of the Opposition j had a right to ask for votes for their districts even* if they condemned the present system of finance. He instanced expenditure on unnecessary roads mMr Hogg's electorate. Referring to the police, Mr Massey said that.it was quite evident that something was wrong, and he hoped that the Minister of Justice would look into it. He contended that the railways were' paying 1 per cent, less than, interest on their cost, and State coal was being charged ,to them at double its price to private consumers, m order to [ make the mines show a- profit. The Hon. R. McKenzie denied the accuracy of this statement. Mr Allen said that the Opposition had no desire to injure the State coal mines. The Hon. A. W. Hogg, m reply to Mr Massey's statement regarding roads at Eketahuna, said that he had not used his position for furthering them. Mr Fisher condemned the Premier's insinuation regarding the alleged hostile demonstration concerning his departure. Mr Poole referred to the policel force, and said that the liquor traffic was its greatest enemy; bold reforms should be made. , Mr T. E. Taylor denied that capital was_ being driven out of the country. Sir Joseph Ward replied to the criticism of tho Government finance, and said that the dominion was able to provide against a financial crisis. Reference had been made to the £800.000 held as reserves; the sum was invested m gilt-edged securities, and unpledged. The Opposition was simply .rotating ancient history. ' The House rose at 1 o'clock.