PARLIAMENT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IV, Issue 204, 13 August 1914, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Aug. 12. The Local Election and Polls Bill, the Civil Service Officers’ Guarantee Bill, and the Immigration Restriction Bill were read the first time. The Methodist Church Charitable and Education Bill and the Presbyterian Church Property Bill were read the second time. The Hon. Mr. Jones’ motion to amend the present methods of can celling the reservation of national reserves was carried.

The Master and Apprentices Amendment Bill was referred back to the Labour Bills Committee for amendment.

The Fruit Preserving Industry Bill was put through Committee without amendment and passed. The Imprisonment for Debt Limi tation Bill was read the second time and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The Council adjourned temporarily at 3.55 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 7.30. In repely to Mr. Wilkinson, the Premier said legislation would be introduced to enable local bodies to make grants towards the war fund. GOVERNMENT ADVANCES. In repely to Mr. Wilkison, who asked the Minister of Finance if he would state what policy was being followed in connection with the Ad vances to Settlers Department, Mr. Allen said advances had been post poned from week to week. The Government was prepared to fulfil all its responsibilities, but a circular had been sent to the local bodies asking them to postpone the com mencement of new works wherever possible. With regard to advances to settlers, the Cabinet had not yet decided what course it would follow, but it would assist the Government materially if local bodies would not for the present send in claims or new works. Obligations in connection with works in course of comple tion would be carried out. In reply to Mr. Witty, the- Minister said commitments to settlers would be carried out. BIBLE IN SCHOOLS BILL. In reply to Messis. Davey and Witty. Mr. Thomson, Chairman of the Education Committee, stated that so far as he knew it was the intention of the Education Committee to continue, the taking of evidence concerning the Bible in Schools Bill as soon as the Commit tee had completed the consideration of the Education Bill. VARIOUS MATTERS.

The Premier read the usual list of contributions to the patriotic fund, at the conclusion of which he stated that his expectations had been more than realised. He had anticipated that to-night he should have gifts and promises amounting to £lO.OOO. As a matter of fact lie had nearer £lB,OOO, and quite expected that the fund would reach £lOO 000. Sir Joseph Ward made some felicitous remarks upon the offer by Lady Islington to place her London house at the service of New Zealanders for hospital purposes, and upon the appointment of Lord Islington as Under Secretary for the Colonies. The Premier stated that he had taken upon himself to cable the Do minion’s congratulations to Lord Islington. He had also cabled the Dominion’s condolence with President Wilson upon the death of Mrs. Wilson.

MORTGAGES EXTENSION BILL. Mr. Herdman moved that the amendments made by the Council in the Mortgages Extension Bill be agreed to. The motion was passed. PUBLIC REVENUES BILL.

Mr. Allen moved the second reading of the Public Revenues Bill, giving power to raise sums of money by Treasury bills in aid of public works, the Treasury bills to be te deemed by moneys obtained by subsequent loans. The provision asked for at the present time was £2,000,000, portions of which could be allocated either to the war fund or the public works fund. It was a.so proposed to increase the present authoritv to raise the Treasury up to £1,500,000. Sir Joseph Ward would not oppose the Bill, but thought it unwise to introduce matters which had no direct connection with the present crisis. The Bill gave the Minister power to issue £3.500.000 worth of Treasury bills. That he considered too much power to place in the hands of any Minister. The further power taken was not temporarily byt permanent. He regretted that they

had not had an opportunity, of discussing the Bill. Mr. Russell continued the debate upon the Public Revenues Act Amendment Bill. He supported the objections raised by Sir Joseph Ward to such enormous power being placed in the hands of the Minister instead of the Executive Council, but they would not criticise the mea sure with any desire to hamper the Government.

Mr. Wilford congratulated the Government upon the steps taken while suggesting amendments. He said he was certain that the House would vote any money thought necessary. T > Mr. Buddo supported the Bill but thought no limit of 5 per cent, should be placed upon the Minister of Finance. Messrs. Hanan Ell, M itty. Fraser ajid Sir Walter Buchanan also spoke. The Minister of Finance, in reply, said he welcomed the criticism of the Bill, but there was a necessity apart from the wnr to give the Min ister a larger limit with regard to the issue of Treasury bilils. ton tinning, the Minister said he had no intention at present of expanding the note issue. The House then went into Coin mittee on the Bill, which was reported with amendments. On the third reading. Sir Joseph Ward said the necessity for placing the Government in a sound financial position should over ride evervthing else. That was his reason for supporting the Bill. The Bill was read the th-rd time and passed. The H'nise rose at 11.23 until 7.30 on Thui*day.