House of Representatives.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 304, 19 October 1910, Page 5

House of Representatives.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Kaiapoi Reserve Bill (Hon. J. Carroll) was read a second time pro forma. On the motion of Hon. J. Millar to lay the Railway Classifications papers (D 3) on the table a considerable discussion ensued upon timetables and running of the service in the Waira.rapa and various parts of the North Island respecting which it was alleged there was much dissatisfaction.

Mr Laurenson complained that in-, sufficient facilities were given to men in the second division who qualified for the first division entering the letter branch of the service. Shunters ought also to be provided with speedier means of promotion. Mr Hogan held that the percentage barrier to promotion in the railway service should be abolished. Mr Fisher contended that railway servants ought not to be restricted from taking part in public life so long as they refrained from-commenting on the work of their department or improperly divulging information. He also objected to men's right to annual leave being taken away by the new regulations. Hon. Millar, replying, said he doubted if the arch angel Gabriel could devise a timetable to suit the needs of the Wairarapa district. However, he had promised when the session closed to look into the question. Replying to Mr Laurenson the Minister said a reasonable number of pi motions yearly were made from the second to the first grade. He could not agree with Mr Taylor with regard to removing restrictions from railway servants in regard to politics. Enquiry would be made into complaints from the Newmarket workshops. The percentage barrier to promotions could not be altered as the cost would be too great.

The papers were ordered to lie on the table.

The Agricultural Committee reported that after taking evidence of witnesses it had not sufficient evidence before it to justify the recommendation of a Sugar Beet Bill and leaves the matter of proceeding with a Bill to the discretion of the Government. Mr Poole moved that the evidence be printed. Sir J. G. Ward felt that the country ought to go in for the beet sugar industry in some form or other and believed the Bill should be proceeded with. He was not averse to the State taking up the industry and he would do his best to establish the industry seeting that the remission of duty bad failed in its object. The evidence should be printed so that the views of witnesses could be perused and if further evidence was required it should bo obtained. The debate was adjourned and the House rose at 5.;i0 p.m.

EVENING SITTING. Hon. Millar moved the second reading of the Harbour Amendment Bill No. 2. which makes a certain alteration in the original Bill. The Bill was considered by Messrs Herries, Ell and others, an improvement on the original measure, Mr Herries expressing pleasure that country districts would be represented on Harbour Boards, as well as town districts.

Mr Hogg contended that Harbour Boards should be elected on a Parliamentary franchise. After further discussion the second reading was agreed to. The By-laws Bill was considered in committee. On the motion of Mr Eeid sub-clause 2 of 3, providing that no application for confirmation of bylaws shall be granted uniess received within one year, was deleted and the Bill reported with amendments. The Oaths Bill was also reported with its amendments.

The Aid to Water Power Works Bill was committed. Messrs Eraser and Herries asked for further particulars as to the extent and cost of the scheme. Sir Joseph Ward said the figures placed before the House on the second reading were absolutely reliable. It was perfectly clear power could be supplied from the switchboards of various systems at as low a coat as was charged in any other