PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 225, 23 September 1925, Page 11

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

NOTES FROM THE GALLERY,

MOKE WORK FOR PARLIAMENT.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary HeporteT.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A further batch of clauses for the annual Washing-up Bill came before the House to-day and the Minister of Lands announced that Thursday is positively the last date for receipt of new clauses. This prompted Mr. T. K. Sidey, ActingLeader of the Opposition, to inquire how much more legislation was being introduced before the session closes. The Prime Minister replied that everything depended on the Crown Law Office. There were two Land bills, including one dealing with deteriorated lands, a Motor Traffic Bill, and a small Public Works Act Amendment Bill. The Finance Bill would be introduced this week. Answering several members, the Hon. J. G. Coates added that the Dentists Act Amendment Bill was still on the Order I'arfer. Income Tax Overpaid. A petition from Booth and Co., London, praying for a refund of income tax paid in error in excess of tax due in years 1918-1919 was reported on by the Public Petitions Committee, which referred the matter to the Government for favourable consideration. The report of the committee was adopted. Forestry Speculation. Investment in afforestation speculation was likened by the Attorney-General in the Legislative Council to-day to taking tickets in Tatts. The Hon. M. Cohen asked if attention had been drawn to a publication in England of certain timber concessions in North. Auckland, and unfavourable comments thereon, likely to affect the credit of New Zealand. In explanation of his question, Mr. Cohen said an article had appeared in London "Truth," making charges against a certain afforestation company operating in the North.

*"I think these forest operations and ' investing of money in afforeetation schemes," said Sir Francis Bell, in reply "may bo regarded as equally advantageous as tickets in a Tattersalls sweep." The gentlemen floating the companies, he declared, had no concession of Crown or forest land, and made their own arrangements with people who cared to speculate. The Government was not aware whether the companies were likely to result in benefit to those investing, nor did it feel it had any duty in warning people that they were running some risk. It was obvious some risk was being run, and also that, if honestly conducted, such methods of producing private afforestation were desirable. The Government had not commended the operations of afforestation companies in any way to the London market. It was not London "Truth," but Wellington "Truth" which had made the allegations. "The guarantee of Wellington "Truth," he concluded, "apparently is not considered equivalent to the guarantee of London "Truth." Against the Minister. When the Counties Act Amendment Bill was being considered in committee of the House to-night, Mr. Nash (Palmerston North) moved the insertion of a clause empowering Jhe jGpye.rnpr-in.-Council,. in case of neglect j to order a county "council \ to provide protection works necessary to ensure the safety of persons using, a road, bridge, or ferry; that, in default, the Crown may carry out the work at the cost of the local authority. The mover had been prompted in his action by the recent fatality in Manawatu, when a motor car fell into the river at a bridge approach. The Hon. R. F. Bollard, Minister in charge of the bill, contended that such a proposal should come from the Counties Conference, but, despite his objection, the hew clause was adopted by 34 votes to 30. Hβ then moved to report progress. This motion resulted in 32 voting each way. The Chairman of Committees (Mr. Young) gave his casting vote in favour of the Minister's motion. Laboub members remarked: "A narrow squeak." A Vehicular Matter. In committee on the Counties Act Amendment Bill, Mr. Jordan (Manukau). asked the purpose of clause 10, which provided that "every vehicle used for hire for the carriage of passengers and goods within the county shall be deemed to be a vehicle plying for hire withiu that county." The Minister (Hon. R. F. Bollard) replied that it was intended to catch owners of vehicles who went into a county to carry persons to and from race meetings. It was no.t meant for the purpose of securing tax from carriers going through or to a county from another county with ordinary goods or passengers. Several members queried the clause, asking would it not make it necessary for the owner of a vehicle in his own county to take out a license in an adjoining county as soon as it crossed the border. The clause was deferred, pending further consideration by departmental officers. Getting Through its Work. When the House of Representatives resumed yesterday, the afternoon was spent in consideration of reports, a dozen of which were tabled, apart from the report of the Parliamentary committees. After the tea adjournment, several bills were dealt with,- the Chattels. Transfer Act Amednment Bill, District Courts Abolition Bill, and Land Transfer Act Amendment Bill being passed. Progress wes reported on the Counties Amendment Bill. The Eating Bill (a purely consolidating measure, the Hon. F. J. Bollard explained), went through committee, and the Main Highways Amendment Bill was read a second time. The House rose at 12.30 a.m.