IN PARLIAMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 185, 4 August 1923, Page 14

IN PARLIAMENT.

SUSPENSION OF SITTING. DEATH OF PRESIDENT HARDING i (By Telejraph.— Parliamentary Beporter.l WELLINGTON. Friday. Parliament had a comparatively short sitting to-day. The Promipr dealt with two points "under the State Advances i Act, upon which Mr. V. H. Potter asked \, for information. Mr. Massey said that j' applications already made for advances | on the 75 per cent, basis would be considered under tlie 95 per cent basis, but he advised applicants for suoh loans to amend their applications so that the board would understand what was intended. The other matter related to cases where 75 per cent advances had lieen granted, hut were insufficient. The Premier advised that if such applications were also amended the board would then be able to decide the amount of the grant. WAIKATO COAL IX WELLINGTON. A question regarding Wellington's coal supplies elicited from the Hon. G. .1. Anderson. Minister of Mines, in tlie House to-day, that the State coal depot at Wellington has been retailing Waikato coal at 3/0 cwt or 4/ delivered in suburbs. This coal was brought to enable the State coal to be diverted to meet shortages in the gas works department. It was selling at the same price lo private dealers, and there was very little profit in it.PRESIDENT HARDING'S DEATH. At 4.45 news was received in the House of the death of President Harding, and the Premier rose when the House was conaidering Estimates, and expressed his regret. He said it was an awkward position, as tlie House was in committee, and he suggested hat possibly the class under consideration might be passed" without further comment and they could adjourn out of > respect to the late President till Monday. ■Mr. Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, said he heartily concurred, and he at once withdrew an amendment which he had just moved, so that the, committee could at once report to the House, which could then adjourn. This course was followed as quickly as possible, the House adjourning till 2.30 on Monday when a suitable motion in regard to the late President will be moved by the Prime Minister.