HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 12 September 1908, Page 3

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30. Mr Ell drew attention to IH* slaughter of pigeons at Ohaknne by so-called sportsmen, and expressed the opinion that the Government ought to take steps to prevent the wholesale destruction of native birds. A general discussion ensued, in which half a do'2eu members, urged that these native birds ought; to be protected by statute, and two ox three deprecated a panic as unwarranted. Regulations for the inspection of dairies under the Dairy Inspection Act were laid on tho table, and referred to the Stock Committee. The Hon. J. G. Ward gave notice, to move that on and after Monday, the 21st inst., the House sit on Monday at 7.30 p.m. Tho Premier stated that the Public Works statement would be brought down on Tuesday week, and on the following day he would make, a statement regarding the business the Government proposed to go on with during the session. The report of the Labour Bills Committee oa the Industrial Arbitration Bill was laid on the table. Mr Millar said the debate would bo taken early noxt week. The Premier moved the second roading of tho Wellington and Manawatu Railway Purchase Bill, and gave a sketch of tho history of its inception and construction in accordance with the terms of agreement. Notice was given by the Government to tho Company of its intention to acquire the line, and a purchase was amicably agreed upon without arbitration. After discussion, it was finally agreed that the purchase price should be £900,000 and £10,000 for stores, and in consideration of tho Company giving up possession of the line on the 7th December next, instead of holding it till the 28th February, as it was entitled to do, a sum of £15,000 should be paid out of the earnings of the lino for that period. The purchase price was therefore £925,000, or thereabouts. It was arranged that £500,000 should be paid to the Company at the end pf the last month. The Company had to pay interest on this amount at the rate of four per cent until December "th. That the remainder be paid on February 28th, tho Government to pay interest at the rate of four per cent, on that sum from December 7th. The House adjourned a.t 5.30 p.m. The House resumed at 7..30 p.m. Sir J. G. WaTd, continuing his speech, said tho line was taken over on better terms than would have been the case in 1901-2. He paid a tribute to thoso who had conducted the transactions for the company, and said tho Government was possessed of a line linking up the most progressive and developing lines of the North Island. Mr Massey congrautluted tho Government upon the result of the negotiation- There was little for him or anyone to say regarding the ne.gotiations beyond congratulating all concerned upon tho completion of the transaction which was of great importance to the country. The price was satisfactory. He, however, thought as a matter of principle that arbitration should have been resorted to. Mr James Allen said the line would have been acquired more advantageously.on the Company's terms in 1901, than was the case now. The assets then included a quantity of freehold land, which was not now included; also it seemed to him wo. were paying £15,000 to the company principally because it would not go to arbitration. Mr Herries agreed that the Government had made a very fair bargain. The Bill was read for the second time. The Public Bodies Leases Bill was read for the second time. The Agricultural Produce Sale and Importation Bill -was finally passed. The Inspection of Machinery Bill was being considered in Committee when tho Telegraph Office closed. Saturday. After the Telegraph Office closed, tho Machinery Bill was passed through Committee, and reported with amendments. The House adjourned at 12.35 a.m.