THE COUNCIL.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1537, 5 September 1912, Page 6

THE COUNCIL.

NEW PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 yesterday afternoon. The Hon. Sir W. J. STEWARD asked the Hon. H. D. Bell whether he would inform members as to tho intentions of the Government in regard to the new Parliament Buildings, and in particular— (1) Whether the foundations already commenced will be completed and utilised. (2) Whether the work is to be carried out by contract or by day labour; and (3) when it is anticipated that the new buildings will be ready for occupation. Also, whether tho Government will the lobby or other convenient place for the information of members of both. Houses plans and drawings showing the design, elevation, and internal arrangement ol the new buildings? Sir W. J. Steward said he thought it was time the Government came to a decision as to what it was going to do and took the Legislature into its confidence. The Hon. H. D. BELL said be regretted that the Government was unable to answer tho question yet. The matter was ono involving the expenditure of a very large sum of money, and it had been considered in part. The information would be available at a later date in the session. It was impossible to lay before members the plans and drawings until the Government had determined finally what plans and drawings it would submit. SOME NEW BILLS. Tho Hon. 11. D. BELL gave notice of his intention to introduce a Bill to amend the' Marriage Act and a Bill to amend the Births and Deaths ltegistration Act. ' DEPUTY-GOVERNOR'S POWERS. The Deputy-Governor's Powers Bill was put through its Committee stage with one small amendment. The third reading was made an-order of the day for next sitting' day. NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY AMEND- * MENT. Previous to going into Committee on the New Zealand University Amendment Bill, the Leader of the Council stated that the argument of the lion. Dr. Collins on the second reading in regard to. the granting of diplomas was correct. He had found that a diploma could only be conferred on sorao person already holding a medical degree.

The Bill was put through its Committee, stage without amendment, and the final stages were made an- order of the day foil next sitting day.