PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 23834, 14 March 1941, Page 6

PARLIAMENT

MORNING sitting formal TRIBUTES TO DECEASED LEGISLATORS [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 14. When the House met at 10.30 a.m. to-day, the question of the stoppage of clearing work on. the Ashburton. River was raised by Mr Burnett in an urgent question to the Minister of Public Works. Mr Burnett said the work had been stopped with only 60 per cent, completed, and ho Risked the Minister when it would be started again. Mr Armstrong, in reply, said the report and estimate of the cost of completion of the scheme was in hand, and when it was completed he would consult his colleagues regarding early completion of the major scheme. Mea,nwhile, he was considering the possibility of a small additional grant to enable the work already completed to he rendered effective.

In another urgent question to Mr Armstrong, Mr Burnett asked if he would tell the people of South Canterbury when the remaining areas of 160.000 acres of the Downlands water supply scheme would have the reticulation finished.

Mr Armstrong said that, due to the prevailing war conditions, he was unable to say when the remaining areas would be finished, but every effort would be made to proceed with the scheme as fast as conditions permitted.

The remainder of the morning session was devoted to tributes to deceased legislators. Moving a vote of appreciation of the services, and sympathy with the relatives, of the late Mr C. E. Macmillan, who for many years was member for Tauranga, and was an ex-Minister of Agriculture and Mines, the Prime Minister said he had been a close personal friend of many members on both sides of the House, and everyone held him in the highest respect and regard. He was recognised as a painstaking private member, and a very able administrator, probably one of the ablest Ministers who had occupied office ■ under the Crown.

Mr Holland, who seconded the motion, associated himself with the tribute which had been paid by Mr Fraser. The late Mr Macmillan, he said, would always bo remembered as a kindly, bighearted gentleman. They had lost a true friend in his passing, but they were richer in the experience they had gained through his friendship. After several other members had spoken in appreciation of Mr Maemillan’s/services the motion was carried.

Similar resolutions were also passed in connection with the deaths of Mr C. H. Poole, former member for Auckland West, Mr A. E’> Ansell, former member for Chalmers, Mr T. Forsyth (Wellington East), and Sir John Sinclair (Dunedin),' a former member of the Lesislative Council. SESSIONAL PROGRAMME. The North Shore Boroughs (Auckland Water Supply Bill was introduced by Gwemor-General’s message. The Minister of Health, Mr Nordmeyer, .who is in charge qf the measure, said it was designed to enable the Board of Health to require North Shore boroughs in Auckland to enter into a contract with the Auckland City Council for the supply of water for those borouglis. The Bill was read a second time pro forma and referred to a special select committee of 11 members set up to consider it.

Replying to (Hie Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, who asked if he would give an indication of the coming programme of Parliament, Mr Fraser said that on Tuesday evening the House would commence the Address-in-Reply Debate. As far as other legislation was concerned, the only thing to come before the House during this portion of the session would be several minor alterations in connection with local body elections, such as polls on Saturdays, the adoption of the system of marking the names on voting papers with a cross, etc. Mr Holland: Is it intended to go on with the ' Shops and Offices Bill during this part of the session? Mr Fraser: No, not at this stage. Mr Holland; AVhat about the Standards Bill? Mr Fraser: I will consult my colleagues about that. He added that it was not the intention that this part of the session should be dragged out unduly. The situation in the Middle East, he said, might become more and more grave, and the House might be called together at short notice. He hoped to clear up the work before the House before Easter and! to adjourn until June or July, always with the proviso,, that the House might be called together before that time.

The House adjourned at 12.40 p.xn. until 7.30 on Tuesday evening as a mark of respect to legislators who had passed away since the last proroguing of Parliament.