THE DAY IN PARLIAMENT

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 85, 7 October 1920, Page 7

THE DAY IN PARLIAMENT

From the national point of view, yesterday's business in the House of Representatives was concluded at 5.30 p.m. Thereafter the House spent much time and eloquence in debating a measure which mainly concerns Otago. The Prime Minister advised the House of official confirmation of the sale by the British Ministry of Food of New Zealand stocks of beef and cut ewe carcases in store to Vesteys. As Vesteys are to provide additional tonnage this will help to clear the stores for the spring season. A petition from the Home Service League for certain of the privileges granted to returned soldiers, was unfavourably reported on by the Defence Committee. Members seemed to think there should be more consideration of the question, and the report'was referred back. A favourable report on the Public Trustees' petition for remission of duty on the Turnbull Library was supported on all 1 sides. The.evening, as has been said, was devoted to opposition to the Bill to constitute a new hospital district in South Otago. The "tedious repetition" rule finally' forced the second reading through. Then the Dunedin members ceased their opposition, and the Bill was passed. The House rose shortly after 3 o'clock. The Legislative Council read a, second time two local Bills, and, after a short debate, on familiar lines, the Te Aroha Crown Leases Bill. The Military Sarvice Amendment Bill and the Valuation of Land Amendment Bill were both put through their final stages and passed, while the debate on the second reading of the Treaties of Peace Amendment Bih, which has occupied portions of four days, was disposed of after four more members had spoken. There was no direct opposition to the Bill; the time was taken up very largely with descriptions of members' personal observations in Samoa. One member who did not make the trip to Samoa was moved to remark that there should be passed a. law forbidding those who went on similar trips in the future from speaking of the subject for at least seven years.