IN PARLIAMENT.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1244, 28 September 1911, Page 5

IN PARLIAMENT.

DAILY SUMMARY. LITTLE WORK-MUCH STRIFE. Very little business was done by tho flouso yesterday. What most interested tho House in tho afternoon was an announcement by the Primo Minister that Colonel Vernon's report on tho competitive plans for the now Parliamentary Buildings had been ' received. 'An informal committee, representing both Houses, was set up to hear tho report and open tho envelopes, which would reveal the identity of the competitors. The afternoon passed in miscellaneous discussion, largely on Ministerial replies to questions.

In tho evening tho Administration Amendment Act, a short technical measure dealing with tho administration of estates of deceased persons, was considered in CommitU-o, and reported with the addition of two now clauses.

The third reading stage of the Hauraki Plains Amendment Bill was marked by further protests on the part of Messrs. Massey, Poland, Hemes, and Taylor against the clause giving the Minister power to levy rates upon the settlers for maintenance of drains without consulting them. It. was pointed out that this was a violation of tho Liberal and democratic principle that thero should be no taxation without representation. Sir Joseph Ward replied in electioneering style. He charged Opposition members with "votecatching," and enlarged upon the material benefits conferred upon the Hauraki settlers. As to the rating question, it was undesirable to have two authorities—a drainage board and tho Lands Department—at tho present stage, but later on the settlers could have loca/1 government. In tho course of further discussion, Mr. Fisher moved to recommit the Bill, in order to reconsider tho rating clauses. This was defeated by U votes to 18, and the debate on the third leading proceeded. Mr. Massey took occasion to protest against, tho tone of Sir Joseph Ward's speech. The Primo Minister at 11.15 accused tho Opposition of trying to block the Estimates by talking on tho Bill. This was strongly denied by Mr. Herries, who said that if Sir Joseph Ward had not spoken, the Bill would have bees through by that time. The Prime Minister, however, continued for another half-hour in much the samo vein as before, but with even less relovanco to tho Bill. Mr. Allen rebuked him, and had the close attention of the House while he gave Sir Joseph Ward an uncomfortable time. This was followed by interchanges between tho Primo Minister and Mr. Allen concerning Treasury Bills and other matters. The Speaker's intervention eventually put an end to this phase of tho proceedings. The third reading of tho Bill was carried on the voices, and the House roso at 1.30 a.m.