PARLIAMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, 26 July 1916, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

VARIOUS MATTERS DISCUSSED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, This Day. In the House of Representatives :n reply to a question regarding meningitis at the camps, the Hon. J. Allen said that as far as human judgment could foresee, there was no danger of recrudescence of last year's serious outbreak. Everything possible was being done in the way of taking precautions, and the medical officers said they had everythingthey needed for preventing a serious outbreak.

The Prime Minister stated thatit \vt« not intended to proclaim a, public holiday on August 4th (Declaration of WaDay), but only to ask local bodies to pass resolutions similar to those passed last year.

Mr Witty drew attention to an advertisement from the Public Service Commissioners inviting applications for the position of typists. He pointed out that applicants were required to stato salary required. He said this was tho worst kind of sweating, and he asked the Premier if it was the policy of the Government?

Mr Massey said it was not the policy of the Government, and that he did not think it was the policy of the Commissioner. He said he would obtain an explanation of the advertisement. The Prime Minister was asked by Mr Pearce whether he had seen a statement as to the arrival at Wellington of a steamer with 320 American automobiles on board, and whether the Government this session would impose a duty of at least 100 per cent on German motor cars.

Mr Massey said the matter was being closely looked into. He would make a statement on the matter shortly. In a statement to-day regarding the prices of New Zealand meat on- tha London market, .Mr Massey quoted figures regarding recent sales of a sma.l portion of our mutton that is now beingr sold on the market. He said that apparently the profit on a 361b lamb was 4s 1-gd. It must be remembered, however, he said, that there was a limited quantity of New Zealand mutton on the market, and this tended to create abnormal conditions. The present margin of profit had not been at this level throughout. When, however, all the facts were considered; it was admitted that the present market conditions in England were unsatisfactory, and tho High Commissioner- had been asked to inquire into the whole matter. Last evening's sitting of the House was devoted to the second reading debate on the War Legislation Amendment Bill. Clauses providdng for the regulation of rent and the postponement * f local elections were the principal provisions that were discussed.

Many instances of alleged unfair.raising of rents were cited hy varioussspea r ers. ■

Mr Wright said that the proposed legislation should apply to shop as we<l as house property. Many members, including Mr T. Field, opposed the postponement of local elections. It was stated that this •provision had the support of the Mayors of . Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, but that it. did not. have theapproval of the Mayor of Auckland.

The Bill was read a second time and the House rose at 11.55. Mr ■''Massey ■ states that he knows nothing regarding the cabled statement that he and Senator. Peafce may be appointed to the Dardanelles Commission.'