HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10755, 7 September 1900, Page 6

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN RUSSELL'S

SON. Leave of absence wa_ granted to Captain Russell for one week on account of bereavement in his family. Mr SEDDON referred in sympathetic terms to the circumstamces that necessitated the leave of absence being granted to Captain Russell, with whom he expressed the greatest sympathy in the death of his son. Mr J. ALLEN also expressed his regret jat the loss suffered by the member for Hawke's Bay. LOCAL BILL. The Local Bills Committee reported, recommending that the Carterton Waterworks Bill be allowed to proceed." A discussion arose on a motion to refer the report back for further consideration, which was lost by 45 votes „to 13. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Leave of absence was granted Mr McLachlan for one week on account of urgent private business. t ORDER OF BUSINESS. The PREMIER moved that on and after Wednesday, 17bh inst., Government business should take precedence over all other busi-, ness on Wednesdays for the remainder_of the session. -Mr U. W. RUSSELL complained that the session was absolutely a record for the few Government measures that had been dealt with, considering the facilities offered for carrying on business. Messrs Tanner, Fowlds, Wilford, Hogg and R. Thompson complained • about local biQs which were advanced being practically thrown out. The PREMIER considered that never during his long experience had so much and so important business been done by the House. As to private bills, he would suggest that a selection be made from amongst th© large number on the Order |*aper, and the bills so selected would be taken up by the Government. The motion was agreed to. THE PUBLIC HEALTH BILL. The House went into committee on the Puoiic Health BiD, and adjourned at 5.30