PARLIAMENT AT WORK

Evening Star, Issue 15914, 21 September 1915, Page 2

PARLIAMENT AT WORK

GOOD PROGRESS MADE. LOCAL feILLS PASSED. Minor measures advanced. [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] . v ■ WELLINGTON, September 21. With a view to overfaking' the accumulated business which awaits the attention of Parliament, the House of Represent--lives held its first Monday sitting last night to dispose of minor matters. Exceptionally good progress was made. The following Local Bills were put through middle aHd final stages without discussionPapakura Beach Vesting Bill (Hon. Mr Massey), Wellington and Karori Sanitation and Water Supply Amendment Bill (Mr Wright), Christchurch Electrical Supply Empowering Amendment Bill (Air isitt), W’yndham Recreation Reserve Amendment Bill (Air Anderson), Tokomani Bay .Harbor Bill (Hon, Air AlacDonald), and Bluff Harbor Improvements Bill (Right Hon. Sir J. &. Ward). ' The Aloa County Bill (Air Hine) was read a second time. MINOR POLICY AIEASURES.

The Savings Banks Amendment Bill (Right Hon. Sir J. G., Ward), which increases from £2O to £IOO the amount which may be drawn provisionally before probate is granted, was read a second time without discussion’.

The Fruit-preserving Industry Amendment Bill (Hon. Air AlacDonald) was also read a second time. This measure is >to enable the Government to advance money on an -approved leasehold as well as on freehold land used for fruit production.

The Scenery Preservation Amendment Bill (Right Hon. Air Alassey) makes provision for prospecting on scenic reserves. The Prime Alinis'tcr explained that a discovery had recently been made on a scenic reserve (he could not disclose particulars), but it was impossible for the men who made the discovery to do anything further. The Bill overcame this difficulty. It also contained a provision for a better safeguarding of birds against destruction. The Bill was read ' a second time.

The Swamp Drainage Bill (Right Hon. Mr Massey), which provides for the expenditure of £75,000 on draining certain swamps, was read a second time. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The National Provident Amendment Bill (Hon. Mr Myers, for whom the Hon. Mr Mac Donald moved the second reading) was next considered. It affects the commencement of the operation of the principal Act of 1914, and does not alter any matter of policy. Members took opportunity to urge the Government to give to Friendly Societies the same measure of support given to the National Provident Fund. Several of the speakers emphasised the good work done by friendly societies. The Prime Minister expressed sympathy with the supporters of friendly societies, and acknowledged the good work they had done. He was strongly of opinion that there was room for both the National Provident Fund and the friendly societies—(hear, hear) — and that there should be co-operation between them rather than competition. It seemed to him that the Legislature had never sufficiently encouraged friendly societies in this country. Although nothing could be done this year, the matter would receive his sympathetic consideration when conditions were normal. The Bill was read a second tiirie. IMPREST SUPPLY. The Imprest Supply Bill, No. 4 (Right Mon. Sir J. G. .Ward), was introduced by Governor s Message and dealt with .as a matter of urgency. The Treasurer explained that there wa-s nothing extraordinary behind the Bill, which provided for the ordinary needs of the State for a given period. When the previous Imprest Bill was passed it was expected that the session would be short. The Bill (which provides for a supply of £953,500 for ordinary purposes of the State) was put through all stages without discussion, WAR FUNDS. The War Funds Bill (Hon. A. L. Herdman), which aims at securing some kind of State supervision of the numerous patriotic funds, was read a second time without discussion. The House rose at 9.33 p.m.