PARLIAMENT.

Marlborough Express, Volume C, Issue 217, 20 September 1911, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

[PBESS ASSOCIATION.]

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The House met at 2.30 p.m. RACING COMMISSION

Sir Joseph WARD stated that ho h:id been in communication with the Racing Commission, with a view to their sitting again to reconsider the question of country club permits. The Commission was agreeable to sit a,gain, and the necessary work connected therewith was now being done. The report would be brought down as soon as available.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

On the motion of Sir Joseph WARD it was decided that Government business take precedence on Wednesdays. He pointed out that there was a great deal of important 'work'to be done between now and the first and second weeks in November, when all wanted to be away to their coiistituents. FINANCIAL DEBATE.

Mr MYERS resumed the debate on the Budget, when he declared exhibited a very happy state of affairs. TKe humanitarian proposals would appeal to the country generally. Ho spoke al> length of the satisfactory condition of the finances, upon which he heartily congratulated the Minister fdr Finance. While taxation had increased from £3 18s 9d in 1909 to £5 8s 7d in 1911, the increase had been placed upon those best able to bear it,- being on the, land tax, income tax, and death duties. Were he not convinced that the Government pohcgt was T>roper and honest he would immediately \valk over to the other side of the House. He urged great expedition in the settlement of native lands. . . ... Sir W; J. STEWARD ■ considered the Budget, an excellent one, and it would commend itself to the country. It was a record of prosperity such,as had never been submitted in. any other part of the Empire. He. disagreed with the proposal to reduce long distance railway fares by a Earthing per. mile. . It . would cost £60,000. It would be better to have reduced tho short distance fares as otf benefit to more people. If tho Department wanted to spend £60,----000, it could better be done ■on jfcho erection of loading.sheds in country districts, .cheap market tickets . for fanners, and the reduction of tho freight on fruit. He expro&scd regret that there was no reference in che Budget to the land queston. Ho advocated a tax sufficient to mak© it impossible to hold land in large quantities. Mr LUKE regretted the absence of any reference to> education in tho Budget, and hoped the Government would do all in its power in connection, with higher -education.- He regretted that the Government had not done more in regard to the acquisition of surplus lands. He looked upon the Farmers' Co-operative Bank proposal as good, and if placed in a good shape he would support the moasiure. He advocated the development of the iron ore b'f the Dominion.

The House then adjourned