Parliamentary Potpourri

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1937, Page 5

Parliamentary Potpourri

ALLEGATIONS UNFOUNDED. In answer to an urgent question in the House of Representatives yesterday by Mr L. G. Lowry (Government — Ctaki) who drew the Minister’s attention to the dismay and concern of the staff of the Porlrua Mental Hospital at the allegations concerning the ill-treat-ment of a patient at that hospital by a member of staff mentioned by Mr R. A. Wright (Independent—Wellington Suburbs) in the House recently, the Mini'ster-in-Charge of Mental Hospitals, the Hon. P. Fraser, said a full investigation had been made into the matter and the allegations were without foundation. leave of absence. Eight days’ leave of .absence were granted Mr P. Neilson (Government— Dunedin. Central) on account of illness, a similar period being granted to Mr Tau .Henare (Opposition—Northern Mori) for the same cause. NEW MEASURES. The Mortgagors and Lessees’ Rehabilitation Amendment Bill and the Local Legislation Bill were introduced by Governor-General’s message and read the first time. Explaining the last-mentioned Bill, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, said this was really a “washing-up” measure, dealing with various matters in which local bodies throughout the Dominion required validating legislation etcetera. . It was not a complete “washing-up” Bill, because the present session was divided into two sections, the second to be continued next year, at the end of which the final “washing-up” Bill would be presented. There were no “catches” in it and the Bill itself comprised some 51 clauses. The Bill was referred to the Local Legislation Committee. AUCKLAND ELECTRIC POWER BILL. The Auckland Electric Power Board Amendment Bill was read the first time by the Legislative Council yesterday and it was agreed that it should be allowed to proceed this session as if it were a a public Bill.