PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15645, 26 June 1914, Page 9

PARLIAMENT.

THE SESSION OPENED. SOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 'THE bible in SCHOOLS,' >. NOTICE OF REFERENDUM bill. ' —— Jet TZUGTtj-pg.—KSESS ASSOCIATION.] ■ Wellington, Thursday. ' - The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. to-day, avid were summoned to '• the Legislative Council to hear tho Governor's Speech. A largo batch of notices of motions for returns and of questions, was given, the Leader of the Opposition (Sir Joseph ■" Ward) and Mr. G. W. Russell (Avon) being prominent in this respect, tho former devoting himself . principally to matters connected with tho finances of last year and the previous year. Mr. H. Atmore (Nelson), in giving j notice of a question, read what amounted to a short speech, but on & point of ordor being raised by the Prime Minister he was ruled out of order. The Hon. James Allen, Minister for Education, gavo notice of his intention to introduce, at the next sitting, a Religious Instruction in Schools Referendum Bill. S Sir Joseph Ward gave notice of a Bill to Amend tho Public Service Act. He also moved that there b8 laid on the table of the House a copy of the agreement appointing the naval adviser and all papers connected therewith. He also gave notice of his intention to ask the Prime Minister why the proposed important change in the Constitution embodied in fie Legislative Council Reform Bill was introduced in tho nominative chamber and not in the V House, where the elected representatives " of the people cat.

The Address-ln-Iteply. Mr. E. P. Lee (Oamarn) gave notice that on Tuesday next ho would move thai a respectful address be presented to the Governor in reply to the Speech from the Throne.

Prime Minister Congratulated. Sir Joseph Ward congratulated the Right Hon- W. F. Masey on the honour conferred on him by the 'ing, by his enrolment as a member - _ the Privy Council, and wished him It . life and good health to carry on whatever duties he ' might in future be called upon to perform in the interests of the State. Although they might differ on matters of party policy, 'r> y were at one in trusting that the Prim. Minister would always be able •>> to discharge the onerous duties which were • irivolvi 1 in the high office of Privy Coun-

~ ciDor. Mr. Maapey, in reply, said he desired to - thank 'he Leader of the Opposition for Jus kindly felicitations upon the honour conferral on him. He could assure them ' ie would always do his best to prove himself -worthy of the honour. A Brie! Sitting.

Leave of absence was granted to the life, Hon. D. Buddo (Kaiapoi), Messrs. J. - Vigor Brown (Napier), E. Newman (Rangitikei), J. Payne (Grev Lynn). ' Thß Minister for Defence, laid Sir lan Hamilton's report on the tablo |f • •> The Premier moved the first reading of Expiriw? Laws Continence Bill pro forms, i- '•< The House rose at p.m.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

THE SPEAKER CONGRATULATEO.

After tho Speech from tho Throne Jiad teen delivered tho legislative Council adjourned, resuming again at 3 p.m. The reappointment ctf the Hons. John Ban : and J. T. Paul was announced, and the monib3rs were duly sworr in. The Hon. H.*D. Bell, is. moving tho adjournment of the Council until 2.30 p.sr on Friday, offered the Speaker (Sir Charles Bowen), on his own behalf, and on behalf of the Council, the heartiest congratu'ations , upon the honour of K.C.M.G. conferred upon him. ,It was evidence that long and faithful service was not forgotten by the Empire. *.He sincerely hoped that Sir Charles would long live to enjoy his honours, The Hon. J. E. Jenkinson endorsed the words of the-Leader of the Council, and epoka reminiscently of the work done by Si Charles in connection with the Education Bill and other, matters. The Hon. Chas. Mills also added his congratulations. In reply, Sir Charles Bowen expressed thanks for the kind way in which they had recognised his services in the Council. He coula not bo mujh longer With them and, therefore, he thanked them for their kindness to him during tho execution of his duties.

Leave of absence for the session was granted to Sir Henry Miller. The Council adjourned at 3.15 p.m.