AFTERNOON SITTING.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 144, 16 June 1909, Page 5

AFTERNOON SITTING.

The House resumed at 2.30 p.m. Mr BUCHANAN, continuing, ad-; mitted that the season had been a! most successful one, but considered that the expenditure had been ex-! cessive. Mr LUKE (Wellington Suburbs) considered that a larger sum should have been set apart for the purchase of native lands, which should be opened up and leased to_Europeans. When at Home he hoped that the Prime Minister would inquire into financial matters connected with the High Commissioner's office, which he would probably find more Costly than 'any other State office. It was urgent that something should be done to remedy the condition of service in the police' force. The present unsatisfactory position was due to the fact that sufficient inquiry had not been made regarding the # antecedents ana' character of applicants. Mr ARNOLD (Dunedin South) also complained of the unsatisfactory state of the police force, and he would fightfor remedy until it was effected. He considered; that the portfolio of Jus- ! tice should be held, by a Member of ! the House. Mr HERDMAN (Wellington North) considered that the state of things I disclosed respecting the police highly discreditable to the Government, iie blamed the Commissioner of Police j for the present condition of affairs. Dealing with advances to settlers, he condemned the extension of loans to people other than settlers. Mr OKEY (Taranaki) was disappointed that a larger sum was not appropriated for advances to settlers. A good deal of the depression of last year was due to the Department's not having sufficient funds to meet the requirements "of settlers. Regarding public works, complaints were made that value was not received for the money expended. Mr FRASER (Wakatipu) said that

the House was losing control of the public purse, which had gone to the Treasury benches. He hoped that next session Parliament would determine that the controllers of the public purse should have time given them to indicate which works should be proceeded with. The Government had been unintentionally a factor in depleting the country of the capital necessary to carry on industries. Mr NEWMAN (Manawatu) condemned the Government borrowing TJoIICV Mr ALLEN (Bruce) said that the Government's hand-to-mouth borrowin"- policy was dangerous. He hoped that the House would pass a resolution in favour of military training, which would have its effect at the Defence Conference. The Swiss system was incomparably the best for New Zealand, as it did not interfere with employment. ■■ r . n The House adjourned at 5.-30 p.m.