PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12910, 6 October 1914, Page 6

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. By Telegraph.—Press Ajnoeiation. WELLINGTON, Oct. 5. The House met at 7.30. In reply to Mr Russell the Premier said he had been in communication with the Chairman of the Foods Commission and he expected that members of the millers' deputatiou would be able to give evidence. Evidence would also probably be taken at Christchurch. Dealing with tho purchase of flour in America he sail he had received quotations of £ls ?6s 6d c.i.f. and £l3 16s f.o.b. Vancouver. In reply to Mr McCallucx the Minister of Defence said all the ships had been medically examined and only one vessel had been found defective and this will be remedied. In reply to Mr Russell the Premier stated he had received an important cable from the Imperial authorities, largely of a confidential nature, but he did not consider it serious. He took it to mean that owing to the development of some important movements at the front restrictions would be placed upon the publication of war news, not only in New Zealand, bat throughout the Empire. A copy of the cable is being sent to all editors. Speaking further upon the question of shipping facilities Mr Massey said he was able now to stato that there were 13 ships available between now and December 31st. With regard to the shipment of cheese he pointed out. that the output of cheese for- the season was estimated at 19,400 crates between October and December. He was pleased to say that provision would be made to handle 228,800 crates. In January and February there will be 14 ships in sight but there was a possibility of the Australian Government commandeering three. He was communicating with Mr Fisher upon the subject. There was no room for anxiety.

The Premier moved the second reading of the Rangitaiki Lund Drainage Amendment Bill which gavo powers for expenditure of £50,000 upon drainage and roading. The measure was supported by Messrs Macdonald, Buddo, McKenzie, Glover and Russel, Sir James Carroll, and Messrs Ngata and Poland. The Premier in reply said he did not anticipate any difficulty in carrying on public works notwithstanding the war crisis, and the finance for this work was assured.

The second reading then passed,

The Premier moved the second reading of the Hauraki Plains Amendment Bill which was similar to the previous measure, £25,000 being asked for to complete drainage works.

Just before the supper adjournment Mr Massey said he had re-read the cable received from the Imperial Government, and had come to the conclusion that it only applied to the movements of the British troops, including the expeditionary forces, and not to publication of Avar news generally, as he had at first supposed. The discussion on the Hauraki Bill was continued. Mr Ell said there was no reason why j settlers on the plains should not pay rates. Mr Harris said he hoped Government would lose no time in pushing on with settlement of this land. Mr McCallum wanted a Government expert sent to Marlborough to report upon Lake Grassmere. Sir J. Carroll urged that aft expert should be sent to his district to report upon the draining of Lake Waikakei. Mr Massey said he would have an amendment made in the law to enable settlers to obtain relief from rates subject to the approval of Government. He promised that a report will be made on Lakes Grassmere and Waikakei. The Hon. Mr Allen moved the second reading of the Education Reserves Bill, which, he said, was purely a machinery one. The second reading was carried after a very brief debate. The River Boards Amendment Bill was read a second time pro forma, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The House rose at 11.5 p.m.