PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 147690, 8 September 1911, Page 6

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MENTAL DEFECTIVES BILL.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Thursday. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m.

The Methodists' Charitable and Educational Trusts Bill was read a third time and passed.

The Attorney-General (Sir John Findlay) informed the Hon. J. Barr (Canterbury) that he would look into the cost of preparing a return of the number of unions of employers and workers, and the number of members of each, in each year since the passing of the Industrial Conciliation Act.

The debate upon the second reading of the Mental Defectives Bill was resumed by the Hon. J. P. Luke (Wellington), who heralded it with delight as a further step in the humanitarian legislation of the past few yea re. He defended the proposal for licensing private institutions, which, like private hospitals, could serve a useful purpose.

Hon. J. R. Sinclair (Otago) pointed out that the recognition of private institutions was a re-enactment of the present law, and in any case there were the best of reasons why such institutions should bo maintained.

The debate was adjourned, and the Council rose.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

MEASURES CONSIDERED.

[BY TELEGRAPH. — ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington. Thursday. The House of Representatives sat at 2.30 p.m.

The Papakaio Water Race District Validation Bill (the Hon. T. Y. Duncan) was read a third time and passed.

The House went into committee, and the following Bills were reported without amendments:—Greytown Town Lands and Hospital Lands Exchange Bill (Mr. Buchanan), Oamaru Municipal Exchange and Market Reserve Leasing Bill (the Hon. T. Y. Duncan), Sir Donald McLean Memorial Park Bill (Mr. Brown), Wangaiiui Harbour Board Vesting Bill (Mr. Hogan). ,

The Waikowhai Park Bill was read a second time.

The remainder of the afternoon was occupied with the Gaming Amendment Bill.

The House went into committee on the Land Agents' Registration Bill. Mr. Russell (Avon) asked for a statement from the Ministerial benches as to whether the Government would take up the measure.

The Hon. D. Buddo stated that he had mentioned on the second reading of the Bill that the Government had intended bringing down a Land Agents Bill which would go further than the proposed Bill. He would give the mover every assistance with the Bill.

Clause 2 (interpretation) was amended to make a laud agent one who sells, lets, leases, or exchanges land on commission otherwise than by auction. An amendment proposed by the Hon. D. Buddo to eliminate the provision excluding auctioneers from licensing proved very contentious. Eventually the amendment was carried.

Clause 3 was altered to make April 1 the date from which land agents shall register. At 11.55 p.m. Mr. Malcolm moved to report- progress. The motion was defeated.

Clause 3 was then passed, and Mr. Witty moved to report progress, with leave to sit again. This was carried. The Christchurch Domain Board Amendment Bill (Sir. Davey) was read a second time.

The House rose at midnight.

THE BUDGET

PROMISED THIS EVENING. [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Thursday. The Railways Statement will be presented to-morrow evening. Immediately afterwards the Prime Minister will deliver the Financial Statement. It is understood that the Budget contains some proposals that will bo especially interesting to the labour organisations of the Dominion. POLITICAL NOTES. PONSONBY POST OFFICE. [by TELEGRAPH. —SPECiAi CORRESPONDENT^ Wellington, Thursday. A definite promise was made some years ago that a Dew office would be erected at Ponsonby. According to the member for Auckland West the money was voted last year, and the plane have been ready for months, and he is endeavouring to ascertain from the Minister for Public Works why there has been a delay in calling for tenders for the building. SETTLEMENT IN AW AKIN 0. In view of the sparse settlement of the district Mr. Jennings is endeavouring to persuade the Minister for Lands to authorise the Auckland Land Board to throw open for selection under the optional system of tenure all Crown lands in the Awakino County that are suitable for settlement. RAILWAY WORKER'S INJURIES. A petition by William S. Dryden, of Ward, asking for compensation for accidental injuries, was presented by Mr. Maseey this afternoon. The petitioner states that in August, 1907, when ho was employed in connection with the construction of the.North Island railway he received severe injuries to his right foot, and he has incurred medical expenses amountin" to £74: ' -