PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 192, 21 August 1901, Page 1

PARLIAMENTARY.

House of Representatives

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wellington, last night. The House met at 10.80 a.m. Mr Guinness took tho chair, in the unavoidable absence of tho Speaker. A question was tabled by Mr Flatman asking the Premier if he would introduce an amendment to the Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Act making it clear whether all workers come under the provisions of the Act. The AVaste Lands Committee reported that the Moa Flat Estate was not suitable for close settlement. Mr Thomas Mackenzie urged that a great portion of the estate was suitable for settlement, and, if acquired, there were many men in the district who would be glad to occupy it. The report was received. The Rotorua Town Council AMlidatiou Bill (Mr Duncan) was read a first time, In reply to questions, it was stated that the Government would put a sum on the supplementary estimates to send a New Zealand rifle team to compete at the next Bisloy meeting, and the House could deal with the vote as it liked ; so far, however, no application for assistance had been made by the Rifle Association. That the Government had no intention of giving a monetary or land grant to parents who have six or more children. That tho Government had done all they

possibly could in regard to payment of the returned contingenters—the accounts of tho fourth and fifth contingents were nearly completed, and a final settlement would bo mado with the men when the money was received from the AVar Office, these contingents being under Imperial pay ; in the meantime, advances were being mado to the men who were entitled to them.

That tho Government favored cade:

corps being taken over by tho Education Department, and intended to seo that they were properly looked after and rendered efficient.

That, from information in the possession of the Government, it was necessary to take steps in regard to a trust that had been formed for the purpose of controlling tho flour output of New Zealand, and an opportunity would be afforded the House to deal with tho matter this session.

That the Government thought joint representation should bo made by New Zealand and the Commonwealth in the direction of securing the strengthening of tho Australasian Squadron on the basis of the present contribution.

That tho Government recognised some, thing would have to be done in tho direc-

tion of the compulsory acquisition of land for rifle ranges, especially near the centres of population, and the acquisition of a piece of land for a range near Wellington was under consideration of the Government.

That the Government wore doing the best they could to find employment for returned troopers, but it was difficult to provide for so many at once, and it was found, too, that some of the men were a little fastidious in the matter of the employment offered them.

That no application had been made to the Government for payment of costs of the Brothers who were acquitted on charges in connection with the Stoke Orphanage, and it was not usual to pay costs in trials of that kind. That there was no necessity to amend the Criminal Code Act in the direction of increasing the severity of punishment for criminal assault on women and children, as the iaw gave sufficient power at present to Judges to cope with tho increase of these offences. AFTERNOON SITTING.

The House mot at 2.80 p.m. The Hospital Nurses’ Registration Bill was passed through Committee with amendments.

The Government Advances to Settlers Extension Bill was committed at Clause 2, which gave the Government power to raise an additional loan of two millions for tho purposes of the Department. Mr Scddon moved to reduco the amount to one million. Ho said that the AgentGeneral had advised him that the time was not opportune for raising such a large sum.

Captain Russell thought that half a million would be ample to meet the requirements of the Department. Mr Seddon said he could not do with less than a million.

Tho debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.

Legislative Council

The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The motion by the Hon. Mr Ormond for a return showing the lands purchased under the Lands for Settlement Act was “ talked out ” by the five o’clock adjournment.