LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Grey River Argus, 2 August 1940, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Soldiers’ Pensions

GOVERNMENT BILLS COMMENDED. PARLIAMENT BLDGS., August 1. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m., and received the Rural Housing Amendment Bill, Appropriation Bill, and Greymouth Harbour Board Loan Bill from the House of Representatives. The Greymouth Harbour Loan Bill was referred to the Local Bills Committee. The other two measures, along with the War Pensions Amendment Bill and War Pensions Extension Bill, were put through all stages and passed. During the second reading debate on the Pensions Bills which were taken together, Hon. Vincent Ward expressed regret that Hon. W. Perry, who is President of the Returned Soldiers’ Assn., was absent because of illness.- He (Mr Ward) as a returned soldier, could say that the Assn, was well satised with these bills, and the Executive of the Assn, wished to express its appreciation of the way in which they were consulted by the Government before the bills were brought down.

Other speakers also expressed appreciation of the bills, and, in replying, the Leader of the Council, Hon. D. ’ Wilson, said that if there were any criticism of the measures, he considered that they were all answered by the reception given to the bills by the Returned Soldiers of New Zealand.

Before the Council adjourned at 4.10 p.m., Hon. Mr Wilson moved that the adjournment should be until Tuesday, August 27, but he advised Councillors that it was possible, though not probable, that they would be called back before then.