PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15687, 14 August 1914, Page 7

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

LOCAL bodies; GIFTS.

[BT TEIXCJUPH.— ASSOCTATIOK.]

Wellington, Thursday. The House of Representatives met at 7.30 p.m.

Leave was granted to Mr. T. H. Davey (Christchurch East) to introduce the Christchurch Company District Bill, which was read a first time and referred to the Local Bills Committee.

The Prime Minister read a cablegram received by the Governor to the effect that war had broken out with Austria.

After reading the usual list of contributions to the Patriotic Fund, Mr. Massoy stated ho was of opinion that within & few days the Government would have sufficient funds in hand to purchase all the horses required.

On the motion of the Prime Minister, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland Empowering Bill was classified as a public Bill, and was introduced as such and read a first tiino.

A similar motion regarding the Presbyterian Social Service Association Vesting Bill was moved. Mr. A. S. Malcolm (Clutha) described it as a most extraordinary one, and warned the House against accepting it as a public Bill.

Consideration of the Bill was deferred. The Local Bodies' Indemnity Bill was introduced by Governor's Mtßtugo and read a first time. The Bill validates payments by local bodies to tho Patriotic Fund.

The Whangarei Harbour Board Em powering Bill and the.Dunedin City Council Empowering Bill were read a second time.

The House rose at 9.24 p.m. It will most to-morrow.