PARLIAMENT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 144, 16 June 1909, Page 8

PARLIAMENT.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The House met at 10.30 a.m. PENSIONERS WITH HOMES. In reply to Mr T. E. Taylor, The PRIME MINISTER said that the Government would go into the question of granting old-age pensions to people possessing homes without reduction. PROVISION FOR VETERANS. In answer to Mr Jennings, The PRIME MINISTER said that he would make full inquiries into the question of provision for old soldiers, and set up a permanent body to make recommendations; otherwise there would be no finality in the matter. ADDINGTON DISMISSALS. Mr T. E^XAYLOR asked if, in view of the*amount set apart for increase in the rolling-stock, the men dismissed from Addington would be reinstated; but Sir Joseph Ward could give no assurance beyond this, that if sufficient work offered they would be taken on again. FINANCE BILL. The PRIME MINISTER moved the third reading of the Finance Bill. Mr MASSEY regretted the attack made by Sir Joseph Ward on Wellington Members. They could have obstructed, and they did not. Mr Massey denied that the credit of the country was damaged by the Opposition. It -was true that money was leaving the country, and it was impossible for the Government to .replace it. Members of the Opposition, had a right to ask for votes for their districts, even if they condemned the present system of finance. He instanced the expenditure on unnecessary roads in the Hon. Mr Hogg's electorate. Referring to the police, he said it was quite evident that something was wrong, and he hoped that the Minister for Justice would look into it. He contended that, the railways were paying one per cent, less than interest on the cost, and that State coal was being charged io them at double the price to private consumers in order to make the mines show a profit. The Hon. R. McKENZIE denied the accuracy of this sta/tement. The railways, he said, were paying less than the public for State coal. Mr ALLEN said that the Opposi-

tion had no desire to injure the State coal mines. The Hon. Mr HOGG, in reply to Mr Massey's statement regarding roads at Eketalmna, said that he had not used his position in furthering these. Mr FISHER condemned the Prime Minister's insinuation regarding the alleged hostile demonstration on his departure. Mr POOLE referred to the police force, and said that the liquor traffic was its greatest enemy. lie hoped that reforms would be made?. Fe denied that capital was being driven out of the country. Sir Joseph WARD replied to criticism of the Government's finance. The Dominion was able to provide against a financial crisis. Reference had been made to £800,000 reserves. This sum was invested in gilt-edged securities, and was unpledged. The Opposition was simply repeating ancient history. The House rose at 1 p.m.