PARLIAMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15964, 8 July 1915, Page 9

PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. MR. OTTERSOVS SERVICES. [BY TELEURArH. — rRESS ASSOCIATION-, Wellington, Wednesday. The House met at 2.50 p.m. The Speaker read a letter from Mr. H. Otterson tendering his resignation as Clerk of the House after 40 years' service in connection with the New Zealand Parliament. The Speaker eulogised the services of Mr. Otterson as an officer of the House, and, on the motion of the Prime Minister, seconded by Sir Joseph Ward, tho House resolved that the Speaker convey to Mr. Otterson its high appreciation of his services. The Speaker also announced that owing to the resignation of Colon-el Shepherd, Commander Cecil Home had been appointed to the office of ! Sergeant at Arms. Tho following Bills were introduced and i read a first time:—Lights on Vehicles Bill (Mr. Buddo). Waipu County Council Grant and Empowering Bill (Mr. MacDonald), Expeditionary Forces Bill (Hon. Mr. Allen), Tauranga Foreshore Vesting and Empowering Bill (Hon. Mr. Herries). On the motion of the Prime Minister Mr. Malcolm was elected Chairman of Committees. The Statutes Compilation Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. The Enemy Contracts Bill was also read a third time and passed without debate. The Hon. Mr. Herdman moved the second reading of the Local Authorities Empowering Bill, explaining that the Bill was intended to enable local bodies to pay members of their staffs who have enlisted while on active service. Clause 5 of the Bill validated all such payments as may have been made in the past. Mr. Wilford asked the Minister if he would introduce into the Bill a clause empowering a local body to establish bread I depots. I Dr. McNab asked if the Minister would take power under the Bill to remit rates on those properties which have been | handed over to the Government as convalescent homes.

The Minister, in reply, said he could not consider many . suggestions made in connection with this Bill. He would, however, bear them in mind, and make the necessary representations to his colleagues in whose charge municipal matters were. The second reading was then carried. The Law Practitioners Amendment Bill was read a second time, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The Bill taxes the legal profession to the extent of 21s per annum to defray the cost of compiling the law reports. The second readings of the Arbitration Act Amendment Bill and the Settled Land Amendment Bill were agreed to. The Education Amendment Bill was received from the Legislative Council and read a first time. The House rose at 4.35 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. to-morrow. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. NEW MEMBERS INTRODUCED. [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION I .] Wellington, Wednesday. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Hon. Sir Francis Bell informed the Council that the office of Speaker was vacant bv effluxion of time, and the Hon. W. C. Carncross, Chairman of Committee?, assumed the chair. Sir Walter Buchanan, introduced by the Hon. Sir Francis Bell and the Hon. J. Duthie. and the Hon. J. A. Millar, introduced by Sir Francis Bell and the Hon. J. Ban.' took the customary oath. The Education Act Amendment Bill was introduced and passed through all stages. The Trading With the Enemy Bill and Regulation of Trade and Commerce Bill were read a first time. The Church Property Trust (Canterbury) Act. 1879, Amendment Bill was read a second time. The election of Speaker was then proceeded with, all strangers being ordered to withdraw. The election resulted in the Hon. C. J. Johnston being elected. He was formally congratulated. The Council adjourned at 4.15 p.m. ur.y Friday.