PARLIAMENT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 392, 2 September 1911, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF RHPURSKNTATIVES. CLAUPE PETITION. CALLOUS MINISTER. The House met at; 2.20 p.m. The report: of the Petit ions Committee on the petition of the widow of Mr Claude (who prevented the disastrous railway smash at Otahuhul for a compassionate allowance was recommended to the favourable consideration of the Government. Several members urged the Ministry to seriously and earnestly consider the petition. The lion. .1. Millar said he did net wish to detract' from Mr Claude's action, but he maintained (he collision world not have taken place had M r Claude not been there. The engine driver of the express pulled his train up on seeing the three tail lights of the runaway approaching. The Government, in paying £!)(> to Mr Claude, haa, in his opinion, paid soilicicntly for what Mr Claude had done. There was not a little of evidence in support, of the contention that Mr Claude's action on that night was responsible i'or iiis death. He pointed out. that, the people of Auckland had done nothing for Mr Claude. Mr Massoy held that Mr Claude had not been paid enough for his action. In his opinion Mr Claude had averted collision. He. hoped the Govetiment would make, the necessary provision for the widow and children of s.n undoubtedly brave man. With reference- to the Auckland people's action they felt it was the duty of the Government to make the matter up.

Mr Hoi:an said t ho Commit tea recognised Mr Claude hr>d done a nehle set. Tho Committee wished to place the widow on a better footing than ihe was at present. If any doubt eristcd as to whether Air Claude had saved the train ho should be jriven the benefit of the doubt. Sale of Poisions Kill (Hon. team Fow'ds), and the Seeds Sale Control Bill) Hon. T. McKenrdo) were read a second time, pro forma, and referred to the Agricultural Committee, Mr Mapsev hoped the passaav of the measures would not be hurried through the house.. A number of people wanted to give evidence before tho Agricultural Committee, especially rejrardinj: the latter bill. The Hon. T. McKetixie rain there would be no undue hurry, ami every opportunity would be p-iven those desirous of ftivinj: evidence. The Hon. .1. Millar moved the-second reading of the Mutt; Hail way and liosd Improvement Amendment Rill, advocating the cost of the formation of the road amongst local bodies. Members represent in;: the districts wherein the local bodies eonceined were situated, voiced their objections to tho Bill, declaring the work to be a national one. The House adjourned at b.do p.m. EVKNINC .^ITTiNti. The 1-lutt Railway and Road Improvement Amendment Rill war- read a second time, and tho Hauriki Rlninr Amendment Bill and the Kaduuna Hospital Sites Bill wore read a rerun:; time and the House rose at 11.-Ml p.m.