PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15718, 19 September 1914, Page 9

PARLIAMENT.

ESTIMATES CONSIDERED.

LARGE VOTES PASSED.

[BT TELEGRAPH.—PfItiS ASSOCIATION.

Wellington, Friday. The House met at 2.30 p.m.

The Hon. F. M. B. Fisher laid on the table a return showing the amounts paid to the various newspapers for Government advertising during the past three years. Tlie motion that the return be printed was agreed to.

On the motion of Mr. A. H. Hindmarsh , the amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Limitation of Imprisonment for Debt Bill were agreed to. The House then went into Committee of I Supply to consider the Railway Estimates. On resuming at 7.30 p.m., the House continued discussion upon the Estimates. The vote of £3.030,000 for working railways was considered, Mr. Massey taking charge in the absence of the Hon. W. H. Herries.

Mr. Russell inquired what administrative steps the Government proposed to take to recover the reduced revenue which resulted from last year's working. He also pointed out that while the length of line had increased, the men employed in the maintenance department had been reduced. This was not conducive to public safety. He further wanted to know if the Department had ordered any engines from Britain or America, as recommended by the General Manager. Mr. Witty advocated the reduction of children's fares.

Mr. Hanan urged that greater political rights be given railway servants. Replying to questions, Mr. Massey said the reduction in profits was attributable x? increases in salaries totalling nearly £100,000. and industrial troubles. It was not anticipated that a reduction in freights could be given. Taking the average, there were more men employed this year than last. After further brief discussion the vote was passed. The Native Department vote of £23,727 was agreed to after a brief debate. The State Coal Mines vote of £268,810, tho Scenery Preservation vote of £11.163, and the Public Trustee Account of £39.612 were passed. The Government Life Insurance Department vote of £72,869 and the accident insurance vote of £7585 were passed.

On tho vote for the State Fire Insurance, £22,691, Mr. Russell moved that tho amount of £750, commission on profits to administrative and other officers, be struck out as a protest against the principle of public officers receiving commission in addition to their statutory salaries ; but ha did not call for a division. Tho Minister in charge called for the division, and in consequence had to vote against his own Estimates. 'The voting was: For tho amondmment, 3 ; against it, 36.

(Proceeding.)

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

[by telegraph.—press association.]

Wellington, Friday. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Cisterns Amendment Bill was road a first time.

The Limitation of Imprisonment for Debt Amendment Bill was road a third time and passed. The Hon. J. McGregor moved the second reading of tlie Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes Amendment Bill and this was agreed to. The Dunedin City Council Empowering Bill was read a second time.

A Bill to incorporate in shipping documents special provision during the existence of a state, of war, introduced bv the Hon. Mr. Bell was put through all its stages and -was passed. The Council adjourned at 2.59 p.m. until Wednesday next.