YESTERDAY'S PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 18333, 21 July 1923, Page 8

YESTERDAY'S PARLIAMENT

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. [Feb United Press Association.] WELLINGTON - , July 20. The second reading of the Captive Bird Shooting Prohibition Bill was moved by the Hon. G. M. Thomson. The Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill was received from the House of Representatives and read a first time. The Council rose at 3.55 till 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THE FUEL SHORTAGE. Mr D. G. Sullivan asked if the'Minister of Railways could brush aside the technicalities and get coal through the Otira tunnel from the West Coast to Christchurch, where a great shortage of fuel was causing hardship, especially in view of the prevalence of influenza. Ho asked if a through rate of freight could not be lived, as ho believed a saving of 10s per ton might thereby be effected. The Hon. J. G. Coates said tho Public Works officers were still at Otira making tho final tests of the equipment, which it was essential should be handed over in perfect working order. Coal was being carried through the tunnel at present by direction of tho Government, which regarded Christchurch’s needs as urgent. Ho could not promise a reduction of the freight rate, which was 18s lid from Reeiton to Christchurch, until he had time to go further into tho matter. Mr Sullivan said the fact was that Christchurch was “ up against it ” in the matter of the shortage of fuel. Mr L. M. Isitt pointed out that this shortage was accentuating the discomforts concomitant with the influenza epidemic. Tho Minister reiterated that ho would go into the matter, and do all possible to expedite tho transport of coal via Otira. OTIRA TUNNEL OPENING. Replying to Mr Sidoy, Mr Massey said it was proposed that tho House should adjourn at 6.50 p.m. on Friday, August 3, enabling members desirous of attending the official opening of the Otira tunnel to go south by steamer that night. They could go up to Otira nest day and take part .in the ceremonial, and return to Christchurch in time to alien 1 tie banquet there, joining the steamer afterwards on tho return trip to Wellington. FOODS AND DRUGS. Tho Foods and Drugs Amendment Rill was read a second time pro forma, and referred to tho Public Health Coimatico on tho motion of Sir Maui Pomare. The House rose at 10.65 p.m. til! 7.50 p.m. on Monday.