EVENING SITTING.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 306, 30 December 1909, Page 2

EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed at 7,30 p.m

APPROPRIATION BILL

An Appropriation Bill was introduced by Governor's message. On the second reading, . Mr. ALLEN asked for information regarding clauses 18 and, 19, dealing with irrigation and w&ter supply and «mpow«nrig the raising of £100,000 for promoting settlement in arid territory. The PRIME MINISTER, in reply, said that clause 19 repeals a past clause in an Appropriation Bill, and was intended to provide for irrigation In places where it is required. Clause 26 provided that the provisions of the Legislature Act, 1908, should riot apply to payments to members of the House who sat on the Timber Commission. IN COMMITTEE. The House went into Committee on the Bill. Mr HERRIES objected to clause 26, which he held to be a bad prece- ■ dent in that it granted power to the Ministry to remunerate Members for services on the Commission without limitation. It was dangerous power to be vested in any Ministry. Sir Joseph WARD said that the Timber Commission was one in which it was necessary to have Members of Parliament upon. The whole report was a good one, Mr MASSEY said he could not oppose the clause, but any such clause inserted in any future Appropriation Bill would be resisted to the utmost. The Bill was put through all and passed. THE FOUR HUNDRED AGAIN. Mr HOGAN gave notice of motion that on next sitting day he would move that the House disagree with the ruling of the Speaker in regard to the method adopted in connection with the £400 vote on the Supplementary Estimates. THE END. This concluded the business of the House. Sir Joseph WARD made the usual felicitous speech on the closing of the session.

Mr MASSEY endorsed the remarks of th© Prime Minister. The SPEAKER- returned thanks fp-r the congratulations of the House, and said he believed that this was the first time he had not the pleasure of wishing Members a Merry Christmas at the close of the session. Mr WILFORD (Chairman of Committees) also returned thanks.