STATE FIRE INSURANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12401, 24 October 1903, Page 5

STATE FIRE INSURANCE .

"A SERIOUS DIFFICULTY.

THE BILL STUCK UP.

["* TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Friday. The Premier reported to the House of Representatives to-night that the second conference between representatives of the House and the Legislative Council on the State Fire Insurance Bill, which was held to-day, bad failed to agree. H; said it was only in cases of very important measures that a third conference was asked for, but owing to the importance of the State Fire Insurance Bill, he intended to ask for a third conference, in order to show to the country that the House had exhausted every means to get . the measure through. He coula not, however, be a party to an eneouachment upon the privileges of the House. He would rathei lose the measure, much as he had it at heart, and much as he thought it was wanted in. the country. . On its merits the amendment made by the Legislative Council was not objectionable, but be could not concede that the Council -had any right to amend any, clause which was practically a loan' clause. They might almost claim the same right to amend the Loan Bill. He moved, "That Mr. Wm. Eraser, Mr. Field, and himself- be appointed to act as managers at the third conference.'.'

Mr. Hemes said he hoped the conference would result in the matter being settled, and that nothing short of giving up the privileges of the House would be wanting. Would it not be possible to get the Upper House to withdraw their amendment, and then introduce the same amendment by Governor's message into the House of Representatives, and put it into the Bill.

The Premier said that was the first suggestion he made. He assured the House that nothing would be wauling to bring about an agreement:. Messrs. W. J'raser and Field and the Premier were then appointed managers. The amendment on which the difference has arisen is in clause 24 of the Bill, which gave the manager power to apply to the Colonial Treasurer i:or supplementary capital, the Legislative Council having inserted words to provide, that the manager can only make the application with the approval of the State Fire Insurance Board.