Parliamentary Affairs.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 October 1913, Page 3

Parliamentary Affairs.

In reply to his representations for increased first-class smoking accomoda-> tion on the Auckland flelensville express, Mr J. S. Ooates, M.P., has been advised by the Minister of Railways that the matter is being enquired into. A new loan of £3,500,000 was floated in London last week by Mr Allen, Minister of Finance, for the New Zealand Government, which is to redeem the loan falling due next July. Th 9 loan had been raised at a discount of £1 10s; that is to say, £98 10s was being received. The terra was 10 years, and the foan carrier] the right of conversion into 4 per cent, inscribed stock. He anticipated that the greater portion of the ioan vi ould bo converted into inscribed stock before the end of the present year. The rate of interest was 4 per cent.

In order to meet loatiS coming due, it will be necessary for tlio New Zealand.Minister cf Finance to go on the London market for something1 like £12,000,000 before the end of next year. .-

The Third Reading on the Land Bill was passed by 39 against 14. In speaking on the measure Mr. J. Gr. Coates (Kaipara) said the Liberal Party in the past had not had a definite land policy. This Bill had a definite freehold policy under which the interests of both the State and the settlers were thoroughly protected.

In the House Mr, Q-. W. Eussell could not resist the opportunity of enquiring the "significance attachable to appoiulment to the Legislative Council for seven years, in view-of their professed proposals for the reform of that body and th« election of members." Mr. Russell was fishing for information and got it. H&t f he must have pulled a very wry face over the business when he heard the answer. The significance to be attached to the (rovernment's action in the matter referred to this (the Prime Minister said) that in advising the appointment of Sir William HallJonos the Government has established a reform, and has departed fiom the practice that has prevailed since the alteration of the new Council in the year 1391 of regarding party consideration only, and of ignoring high public service, in the selection of members to serve in that branch of the Legis. lature."