EVENING SITTING.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 62, 11 September 1908, Page 5

EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed at 7.30

The debate on noxious seeds was continued at considerable length. Amendments were agreed to reducing the penalty to £10 and providing in the case of conviction for annulling the sale, and refund of purchase money. The Bill was reported with amendments.

MACHINERY INSPECTION

Mr Millar moved the second reading of the Inspection of Machinery Amendment Act, which extends the definition of boilers and machinery for inspection purposes and requires a certificated engineer to be in charge of an engine and boiler. Various other amendments to the principal Act are included in the direction of bringing the law more into conformity with the exigencies of present conditions and latest developments. Mr Massey thought, the Bill a good one, but said that under it windmills woxild have to be inspected ; that seemed unnecessary. He thought, also, that harvesting l machinery would have^to be inspected. Mr Massey criticised some technical provisions of the Bill. He thought the schedule fees too heavy, and insisted upon the necessity for inspecting ther' boilers of steam trolleys. Everything should be done necessary for publio safety, but nothing harassing to owners of machinery. In the course of the discussion which ensued it was stated that the license fees would be harassing to industries, with any small appliances. The necessity was emphasised for an examination test for the drivers of motor cars; also a speed limit by statute.

Mr Millar replied to criticisms, and the second reading was carried on the voices. *

Mr , McNa.b. moved the committal of the Declaratory Judgment Bill tp~ enable a person to obtain by anticipation the court's interpretation of statutes. This would make a person proposing to lend money to a company x>r local body to ascertain whether the loan was ultra vires or not.

Several members expressed the view that the Bill' was an excellent measure, but required some consideration in committee. The Bill was committed. At clause 11, a discussion took place as to whether the Arbitration Court could be bound by a declaratory judgment obtained precedent to a suit from the Supreme Court.

Mr Barclay objected to this as bad policy. Clause 12 was amended by inserting the words "subject to any decision of the. Privy Council." A new clause was added in regard to costs.

The Bill was reported, and the House rose at 11.57 p.m.