PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12864, 13 August 1914, Page 8

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. ' Press Association. —By Telegraph. \ WELLINGTON, August 12. 1 The Council met at 2.20. 1 The Local Election and Polls, Civil < Service, Guarantee and Immigration Restriction Bills were read a first 1 time. The Methodist Church Charit- ' able and Education and Presbyterian j Church Property Bills were read a second time. 1 The Hon. Jones' motion to amend the present methods cancelling reservation of national reserves was carried. The Master and Apprentices' Amendment Bill was refered back to the Labour Bills Committee for amendment. The Fruit Preserving Industry Bill was put through Committee without amendment and passed. The Impris nment for Debt Limitation Bill was read a second time and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The Council adjourned temporarily at 3.55 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 7.3 C. In reply to Mr Wilkinson the Premier said legislation will be introduced to enable local bodies to make grants towards the war fund. In reply to Mr Wilkinson, who asked the Minister of Finanee if he *would state what policy is being followed in connection with the Advances to Settlers Department, the Hon. Mr Allen said advances had been postponed from week to week. Government was prepared to fulfil all tits responsibilities, but a circular had been sent to the local bodies asking them to postpone the commencement of new works wherever possible. With regard to advances to settlers, Cabinet had not yet decided what course it would follow, but it would assist Governmen tmaterially if the local bodies would not for the present send in claims for new works. Obligations in connection with works in course of completion would be carried out. In reply to Mr Witty the Minister said that commitments to settlers would be carried out. Sir Joseph Ward asked the Premie/ what had been done with regard to provision of war risk on exports. Unless some action was taken it would result in hardening of prices. He read a telegram from a reliable firm stating that the war risk from London was now 20 guineas. This would produce stagnation of trade and if there was a high war risk at Home it would effect orders from here. Another imimportant matter was exportation of frozen meat. He was informed that the freight charges were preventing export of frozen produce to London and while he recognised it was necessary to transport men and horses he thought companies should be allowed to ship meat by the transports. If exports were stopped it would mean dislocation of the trade of the country. In support of Sir Joseph Ward Mr Wilkinson pointed oat that he had personally received a cable that his goods from New York would be subject to a 20 per cent rate. , The Premier stated that Government had the matter in hand. Mr Fisher stated that negotiations are in progress with the Imperial Government to arrange for war risks and he read a series of messages exchanged with the Home authorities. He had asked the Homa Government if it could be arranged to accept risks upon New Zealand exports but he had not yet received a reply. In reply to Mr Buddo the Premier said he hoped in a few days able to notify a proclamation prohibiting the exportation of oats, peas and loose beans. There was no desire to interfere with trade and he was now satisfied that we have more oats in New Zealand than is required for our own 1 use. Sir Joseph Ward returned to the question of war risks and in reply Mr Fisher said he was Satisfied that the arrangements made by the Imperial authorities meant to cover shipments to the Dominions. Sir Joseph Ward referred to the fact that more firms in New Zealand were being asked to pay a premium of 20 per cent. If the reply was not as anticipated it was imperative that Government should take the matter m P« In reply to Messrs Davey and Witty Mr Thomson (Chairman of the Education Committee) stated that so far as he knew it was the intention of the Education Committee to continue taking evidence concerning the Bible-in-Schools Bill as soon as the Committee completed consideration of the Education Bill. In reply to Mr Wilford, the Premier said he would enquire into the position of Danes desiring to join the expeditionary force. v The Premier read a cable from the High Commissioner stating that Lady Islington was prepared to place , her London house at the service of New Zealanders for hospital purposes and was herself prepared to take an active part in hospital work. (Applause). The Premier read the usual list of contributions to the Patriotic Fund, at the conclusion of which he stated that his expectations had been more than realised. He had anticipated that they would have gifts and promises amounting to £IO,OOO, but as a matter of fact they had nearer £IB,OOO and he quite expected th/e fund would reaei-£IOO,OOO. ** » Sir Joseph Ward made some felieitous remarks upon the offer made by Lady Islington and upon the appointment of Lord Islington as Under-Sec-retary for the Colonies. The Premier stated that he had taken upon himself to cable the Dominion's congratulations to Lord 'lslington and he also cabled the Dotninion's condolences with President Wilson upon the death of Mrs Wilson. Hon. Herdman moved that the amendments made by the Council in the Mortgages Extension Bill be jagreed to. Hon. Allen moved the second reading of the Public Revenues Bill, giving power to raise sums of money by Treasury Bills in aid of public works, the Treasury Bills to be redeemed by monies obtained by subsequent loans. Provision asked for at the present time was £2,000,000, portions of wlucn could be allocated either to the War Fund or the Public Works Fund. It was also proposed to increase the present authority to raise Treasury Bills up to £1,500,000. Sir Joseph Ward said he would not

•ppose the Bill, but thought it unwise to introduce matters which had no direct connection with the present •riais. The Bill ga\c the Minister power to issue £3,500,000 worth of Treasury Bills, aud th" f he considered too much power to place in the hands of any Minister. He regretted that they had not had an opportunity of discussing the Bill before. Mr Russell supported the objections raised by Sir Joseph Ward to such enormous power being placed in the hands of a Minister instead of tho Executive Council, but they could not criticise the measure, as they had nodesire to hamper Government. Mr Wilford congratulated Government upon the steps taken. While suggesting amendments he said he was eertain the House would vote any; money thought necessary. The Minister for Finance, in reply* said he welcomed criticism of the Billy but there was necessity apart from the war to give the Minister a largo limit with regard to the issue of Treasury Bills. Continuing, the Minister said he had no intention at present of expanding the Note issue. The House then went into Committee on the Bill, which was reported with amendments. On the third reading Sir Joseph. Ward said the necessity for placing: Government in a sound financial position overrode everything else. That was his reason for supporting the Bill. The Bill was read a third time and passed. The House rose at 11.23 until 7.3d on Thursday. _____