WORK OF THE PAST SESSION.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 69, 14 December 1907, Page 5

WORK OF THE PAST SESSION.

COMMENTS BY AUCKLAND MEMBERS. (BY TEIiEGBATH—SPECIAL COKEESroNDEOT.) Auckland,. Decembor 13. Some' interesting references to the work of tho past session were made by M.P.'s at tho annual dinner of tho Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Mr. W. H. Herrios said that Parliament was always ready and willing to listen to the voice of the mercantile people of tho Dominion, and thoy could only make their wants known through tho various Chambers of Commorco. Unfortunately, however, especially towards tho close of the session, things woro often rushed through. This was one serious dofect that might bo remedied. Last session thoy had passed a lot of Acts, but tho only pcoplo who would benefit by them were tho lawyers. (A Voico: "And the bookmakers.") ." Yes, and tho bookmakers." (La'ughter.) Mr,. if. W. Lang referred to tho waste of nine at tho beginning of tho session, and -ho planner in which Bills woro rushed through at tho last mimito. Ho thought tho electors of the Dominion should support them in the endeavour to-obtain somo amendment in connection with this hasty legislation. Ho counselled unity amongst tho commercial and agricultural interests, in order that bodies like tho Chambor of Commerce might become a powor in the land. Mr. F. Lawry said that members of tho Houso Woro always ready to accopt suggestions, but not dictations, from self-consti-tuted bodies. He hoped to see tho timo whon Parliament would dovotc one whole session to tho consolidation and simplification of our laws. (Applause.) Thoy wanted to propound somo moasuro which would raise the status of tho Parliament of Nov,- Zealand, and enable tho pcoplo of tho Dominion to administer their own affairs. Parliament should provide tho.moans, and thoso could be found by applying tho whole land tax of tho country to local bodies in order that thoy could administer local affairs. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Herrios had done marvellous work in simplifying tho Nativo land laws of the Dominion. Down South laud for I occupation was overvalued. arid i people Came to the Waikato, as thoy rtcogiiisod that 4 land for occupation whs oul£ worth what could be made out of it.