YESTERDAY'S SITTING.

Northern Advocate, 23 August 1913, Page 3

YESTERDAY'S SITTING.

legislative council. committee. BH|j Telegraph.— Press Association. ) WELLINGTON, Aug. 22. I Tin' Leg'islariv ■"• Council met at |2."v p.n). / An .'.\t fusion of 21 days was given to tlif Defence Committee, in which to report The Copyright Bill was read a third time. LOCAL BODIES LOANS. The Hon. H. D. Bell moved the second reading of the Local Bodies Bill. The Hon. J. E. Jenkinson said the principal feature of the Bill—State guarantee of local bodies' loans — was enacted in 1908, and repealed in 1909. Some explanation was due to the Council why it was now being re-enacted if previously it had been unsatisfactory. The sinking funds were endangered under the Bill. The Hon. H. D. Bell, replying, said the State could not provide all the money required for local and general purposes. The Bill was designed to relieve the pressure of local bodies upon the Treasury. The Hon. Mr. Jenkinson was in error in supposing the law was altered in connection with the sinking funds, which were perfectly safe, i The second reading was carried. „ STATE ADVANCES BILL. The Hon. H. D. Bell moved the second reading of the State Advances Bill. The Hon. J. E. Jenkinson protested against the removal of the Minister from the Board. The fear of political influence was a bogie. The Hon. John Duthie approved the removal of the Minister. All the Ministers were greatly overworked. He deprecated the extension of borrowing powers, which was approaching a dangerous era. The Hon. W. Earnshaw advocated the retention of the Minister on the Board. If Ministers were overworked more should be appointed. The second reading was carried. The Hon. H. D. Bell moved the second reading of the Methodist Union Bill. He said doubt existed as to whether the Bill was a private Bill, and moved that it be referred to the Local Bills Committee. The second reading was carried. The Council adjourned until Thursday next.