GOVERNMENT IN WAR TIME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15751, 28 October 1914, Page 8

GOVERNMENT IN WAR TIME.

NEW BILLS INTRODUCED.

GRANTS BY LOCAL BODIES.

[BY TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington-, Tuesday,

The War Contributions Validation Bill! (No. 2) introduced this evening provides for the validation of contributions for j the relief of distress occasioned by the war by local bodies or bodies of persons, whether corporate or incorporate, whether such distress exists in New Zealand or elsewhere in the British Dominions, or in any country allied to Great Britain, if such contributions are paid into any public fund established for the purpose of such relief. The Bill also authorises allowances to bo made by local authorities to dependents of former employees who are, or may be, members of any expeditionary force or on active service in New Zealand. Foreigners and Patents. The Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Amendment Bill, which has been introduced by the Attorney-General, provides for the making by Order-in-Council of regulations for avoiding or suspending in whole or in part any patent or license the person entitled to the benefit of which is the subject of a State at war with Great Briain. The measure also provides for the granting subject to necessary conditions to British subjects of licenses to make and sell articles affected by such avoidance or suspension. The Act is to continue in force during the war and for six months thereafter.

The Friendly Societies Amendment Bill, which had been introduced by the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, gives the registrar of friendly societies power, if he sees tit, to exempt any society or branch from the requirements of section 30 of the principal Act in respect of any amendment providing for the postponement or waiver of the whole or any part of any contribution payable by any member of the society or branch who is or hereuiter becomes a member of the defence forces of New Zealand on active service, or any other member of the society or branch during any period of unemployment occasioned either directly or indirectly by the war. The section of the principal Act referred to provides that ii in tho opinion of the registrar any amendment of a rule may adversely affect the financial soundness of the society or branch such amendment shall not be registered until an approved actuary has certified that the amendment does not adversely affect the financial soundness of the society or branch. The Amending Act is to continue in force until the end of 1915:

The Mortgages Extension Amendment Bill, No. 2, which was Introduced tonight, provides for the suspension at any time that it may be necessary of the Mortgages Extension Act, or for the modification of any of the provisions of that Act. The Prime Minister stated that the purpose of the Bill was to (rive the Government power to deal with the question of a moratorium if necessary during the recess.