GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 12015, 17 October 1904, Page 5

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOISE OF REPBESENTATIYES (1-aCSS ASSOCIATIOX TELBCBAK.) WELLINGTON, October 15. THE ESTIMATES. After the telegraph office closed the Eft i mates of the Colonial Secretary's Department were further considered,' ant eventually, at 2.35, the total vote, was passed undtered. Public Health Department, £28,583. Mr MASSEY complained of the expenses of this Department, and moved to reduce the vote by £583, as an, indication that t he expenses should bo kept whhin reasonable bounds. ! Sir J G. WARD urged that the national i health should be conserved, and tibe colony, ought to be able , to provide money for this purpose. An organised Health Department was a sort, of national insurance, and, spread over the community, the expense was,very small. After a lengthy discussion, Mr Massey's motion ivaa lost by 30 to 14, and the total vote agreed to unaltered. Industries and Commerce and Tourist and Health Resorts Department, £68,206. A motion by Mr BUCHANAN duce the item "South African Steam Service MibsiJy, £30,000," by £1, as an indication that the colony was not justified in jvaying this amount, wae lost by 27 io 11. At 5.15 a.m. a. motion by*Mr HERRH'S to report progress was lost by 29 to 10. Mr HKRRIES complained of'the unsatisfactory state of things'at Rotorua. Sir '.I. Cr. WARD replied that all who went to Rotcrua praised the arrangements thereMr MASSEY moved to reduce the vote., by £1000, as a protest against the. methoi? adopted by the Government in subsidising books on New Zealand written by people who had no knowledge of its affaire. Lost by 24 tr> 10. The total vote was passed unaltered. Votes for State coal mines £51,380, Land for Settlement £7000, and State Fire Insurance £6360 were passed unaltered. Progress M - as reported, and the Houss rose at 7.35 a.m.