PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVII, Issue 2548, 28 June 1895, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

HEGISLATXVH COUNCIL. Tjtuuroay, June 27. ANIMALS I'KOTECTION Bltl.. The Colonial Sbcuetaky moved tho eecond reading of tho Animala Protection Act Amendment Bill, and, in doing so, said tho Bill sought to discourage the introduction of a voracious bird in tho South Island known as tho wood pigeon. Another clause of tho Bill made it penal for captains of vessels from foreign ports introducing —perhaps altogether innocently—vipers or other noxious reptiles or insects which might bo imported amongst fruit forming portions of cargo.

Tho Hon Dr Pollen thought tho Bill was paying only a left-handed compliment to the Acclimatisation Societies of tho Colony. He might remark that St. Patrick banished snakes from Ireland, but the Government apparently sought powers to banish from New Zealand reptiles which fortunately did not exist in tho Colony. Kg considered the measure a most drastic one, imposing as it did a penalty on captains of vessels who must presumably be innocent of any intention to introduce noxious vermin. Tlio Hon W. D. Stewart said the Bill would receive his support, but ho considered (it would require amendment in com mitteo. Tho Colonial Secretary replying, said that ho congratulated the Hon I)r Pollen upon being in such excellent form. Ho desired to remind tho hon member, however, that whilst St. Patrick banished snakot from Ireland, tho Government were desirous of preventing vermin being introduced into tho Colony. Tho second reading was agreed to on tho voices. SALES OF GOODS BILL. Tho Colonial Secretary, in moving tho second reading of this Bill, explained that it was a precisely similar measure to that which was recently passed by tho Imperial Parliament. Tho Bill was really a codification of existing Acts relating to contracts for the sale of goods, including freehold property or merchandise. Tho Hou W. D. Stewart generally supported tho Bill, which was read the second time and then referred to tho Joint Statutes .Revision Committee. PRINTERS AND NEWSPAPERS BILL. Tho Colonial Secretary, on the motion for the committal of tho Printers' and Newspapers Registration Act Amendment Bill, moved that tho order for tho committal bo discharged. He took this course because ho desired that tho Bill should bo referred to-the Joint Statutes Revision Committee. Since ho had introduced the Bill into tho Council, ho had ascertained thoro would be considerable difficulty in making typists register their names, though personally ho considered they should be compelled to do so, and for tho reason that there was a great quantity of anonymously typo-written matter—some of it of a most objectionable character —which was published throughout Now Zealand.

Tho Hon W. 3). Stewart also regarded tho objection referred to by Sir P. Buckley relative to tho registration of the names of typists as being calculated to prove a difficult one. Ho was pleased that the Bill was to be referred to tho Statutes Revision Committee. The Hon H. Eeldwick said tho Bill was tho laughing stock of all practical newspaper men, and if it became law would prove utterly unworkable.

The Bill was referred to tho Statutes Revision Committee, and the Council at 3 pan. adjourned to next day. HOUSE OE REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, June 27. Tho House mot at 2.30. ME SPEAKER. The Speaker (Sir Maurice O’Rorko) took the chair for the first time this session. He briefly thanked tho House for the indulgence granted him, and the Chairman of Committees for having carried out the duties of Speaker during bis absence. At a later stage the Premier and Leader of the Opposition congratulated tho Speaker on his return to health. the address-in-replt. The House adjourned for 15 minutes in order that the Address-in-Reply to the Governor’s Speech might be presented to His Excellency. i FIRST REAPINGS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time: —Mr Allen, a Bill to Amend the River Boards Act; Mr Lawry, tho Deceased Hnsband’s Brother Marriage Bill; Sir- E. Stout, tho Defamation Bill. IMPREST SUPPLY BILL. On the motion to go into Committee of Supply, Mr Hall-Jones asked if the Government would state whether they intended to take any immediate steps to deal with the unemployed distress existing in tho Colony. Tho Hon Captain Russell wanted to know whoa tho public accounts for the past year were to bo placed before tho House. He also urged upon the Premier tho advisability for the House meeting in the early autumn instead of as at present, so that members could return to their homes about the middle of September. This, ho considered, would meet the convenience of members, and tho important work which usually cropped up towards the end of the session would receive more careful consideration. Mr Eaenshaw supported Mr Hall-Jones question, and urged the claims of his particular district. Mr Duthie, Dr Newman and Sir Robert Stout complained of the delay on the part of the Government in bringing down and their opposition to returns. It was impossible, the last named stated, to discuss the finance of tho Government without these returns. > Messrs Crowther, Allen and Hall also spoke. The Premier thought a most unusual course had been taken by members ■ in carrying on this debate. They were, of course, within their rights, but the occasion did not warrar.t tho course adopted. Regarding tho questions raised during tho debate, he would endeavour to reply to thorn. The present Government, ho thought it would be admitted, had done as much as any Government to grapple with the unemployed difficulty. Throughout

tho whole length of the Colony thoro wtro now not more than 700 men who, if offered it to - morrow, could take up work, which, considering that wo hud a population of over half a million, was a big thing to bo able to say. These tvore nearly all single men; the married tad hcon pi„ or ' vemment were doing as much as poasi u,„, and if pressure was to be brought on tho Government to compel them to go in for a big borrowing policy the responsibility must go upon other shoulders than his. He recognised tiie convenience it would be to country members to call tho House together at an earlier date, hilt this year they all knew this was impossible. As to the charge of delay in bringing down the Financial Statement, he claimed that no other Government had brought down the Statement at so early a date after the meeting of Parliament as the present Government. This year it Would bo brought dowa a few days after tho Colonial 'I ren* suror’s return. Ho would always be willing to meet the convenience of members, in every way possible. Mr Soddon then went on to reply to other questions raised, explaining that reasonable returns were always agreed to by tho Government. In many cases returns were opposed merely for tho sake of having them discussed Ho denied that the ahnlial returns were kept back any longer than was necessary; and in rejdy to Captain Russell said that tho public accounts would bo laid before the House as soon as they were last year. Tho motion to pass an Imprest Supply Bill for -C302,000 was then put. Sir Robert Stout said that in view of tho recent transactions of the Government ho did not think tho Government dare disclose tho information ho had asked for. Ho would continue to ask for that information on every occasion upon which tho House wont into Committee of Supply ; and if Ministers still refused it ho would prepare tho return himself and place it on record in the pages of Hansard'. After a brief discussion, Tho Premier replied jmihHng out that Sir Robert’s Stolit’s return had not been Opposed by tho Government. Ho denied an assertion made hy Sir Robert Stout that newspapers, or a particular newspaper, had been kept alive by Government advertisements. Sir Rohert Stout repeated that there was one paper that could not live a day if Government advertisements were stopped. The Premier said be would like to know tho name of tho paper. Ho was quite willing to consent to a full return of tho coats ot Government advertising since 1881-. Tho Imprest Supply Bill was passed through all its stages. Tho 5.20 adjournment then took place. Tho House resumed at Y. 30 p.m. ELECTION Of GOVERNOR RILL.

Sir Joyce moved tho second rending of this fiUJ, tho day for tho adoption of which ho felt certain must) at some future tible, come to this Colony. This Bill, ho Said, would encourage and foster tho spitit of solt-rolianco so lacking in New Zealand and tho colonies generally. In bringing it forward this session ho was desiring to foster tho national spirit in tho youth of tho Colony more than expecting tho passage of tho Bill. Mr Montoomf.ky was of opinion that all tho arguments in favour of tho Bill were based on tho fallacy that the Governor really governed Now Zealahd. Mr T. Mackenzie held the proposal Up to ridicule. Tho result of the American system, ho thought, condemned tho measure.

Mr SaUnderb could not see that we wanted any Governor at all; The only Use of a Governor in the Colony was that he presented solno slight check to tho autocracy of tho Premier. Continuing, Mr Saunders advocated tho introduction of tho system in vogUo in Switzerland where, tho President of the Council was chosen every year by tho Executive. Captain Eussell thought the proposal put forward by tho moverof the Bill meant separation from tho Mother Country. He believed that tho English Constitution was tho finest that could be lived under, and why therefore should we depart from it? Ho hoped we would avoid drifting into the American system with the corruption reported to ho connected therewith. The Governor, in his opinion, was not merely a flgurhead. The true interest of all tho colonies, ho thought.was the Federation of tho Empire, and a severe blow against this would bo an elective Governor. Messrs Crowther, Barnshaw, McLachlan, Dnthie, Eussell, Massey and Flatraan spoke against the measure. Messrs E. M. Smith, Hall-Jones, Meredith and Mills supported it. The motion was lost by 22 votes to 33, and the Bill killed.

uniforms Bint.. The Premier moved the second reading of this Bill. It was a measure similar to one recently passed in tho Imperial Parliament. It was to prevent persons dressing themselves np in uniforms and passing off as officers when they had no right to. Tho motion was carried without discussion. EVIDENCE FURTHER AMENDMENT BILL. The Premier moved the second reading of tthis Bill, pointing out that it gave indemnity against a certain class of witnesses incriminating themselves. In answer to Mr H. IX Bell, Mr Seddon said he was willing to let the Bill go to the Statutes Revision Committee. Mr Pibani hoped the Minister would consent to a provision exempting newspaper editors and reporters from divulging tho names of writers to a paper. SirE. Stout pointed out that newspaper men were not bound to do this. The second reading of tho Bill was carried on the voices. ADULTERATION PREVENTION ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Premier moved the second reading of this Bill. It was, he said, a difficult matter to deal with, this adulteration question, but he thought tho present Bill a fair compromise. It would not deal harshly with tho bakers, and would see that no light-weight bread should bo sold. Sir E. Stout thought the Legislature should not say what shape bread was to bo made. “Why should not people have fancy broad? This Was a Bill to say that no baker should sell a loaf unless its weight was stamped on it. He could not see the need of this. Mr 11. D. Bell hoped an amendment with tho object of exempting rolls would be admitted. Mr Saunders thought it most undesirable to pass any Act to prevent the baking of any other than what was known as batch bread—tho mostnnwholesomokind of bread. He did not believe in compelling tho broad to be stamped. The police should pay periodical visits, and see that tho bakers kept up tho weight of their bread. Mr Eaenshaw trusted that the Premier would see that tho public got their weight so far as tho batch bread was concerned. Mr McLachlan. did not think people should bo deprived of their fancy bread. Mr Buddo and Mr Pirani thought there was very little chance of tho Bill passing. Tho Premier, replying, said the Government were perfectly justified in seeing that tho masses received fair weight, and that was what they wore doing in this measure. It was their duty to protect the public, and not only in regard to batch, but also fancy bread. Further than this, it was necessary to pass the Bill to protect the bakers who under the existing law were liable to prosecution for every batch they took out of the oven. The second reading of the Bill was agreed to. CRIMINAL CODE ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Premier moved the second reading of this Bill, which raised the age of consent to 16 years. In answer to Mr Bell, the Premier agreed to refer the Bill to the Statute Revision Committee. The second reading was then agreed to. servants’ registry offices bill. The Minister for Labour moved the second reading of this Bill. Ho thought tho general principle that inspection and regulation of these offices was necessary would be admitted ; and this was what the Bill provided. This Bill did very little more than to take away from the local authorities this power. The result of enquiries had satisfied him that there was real need of the Bill. Sir Egbert Stout agreed on tho principle of regulating such offices, but could not understand the principle of taking away the administration of the Act from the municipalities. Mr Eussell said tho answer to the last speaker was that tho local authorities had not exercised tho power given them. Ho thought matrimonial agencies should bo brought under the Act and he given very close inspection indeed. A Schedule of fees chargeable by registry office keepers should be added to the Bill. Mr Duthie thought the registry office keepers conducted their businesses fairly well. He did not think the Government should attempt to grasp all these little powers from the local authorities, and further than this, as the Government had entered into competition with the registry office keepers, itwas unfair that they should have control of the businesses of their rivals. Mr McLachlan condemned the measure. The Minister replied briefly and the second reading of the Bill was then carried on the voices. DOO REGISTRATION ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Premier moved the second reading of this Bill, which dealt with difficulties which had arisen at the Chatham Islands. Mr J. W. Kelly urged that provision should be made in the Bill for tho exemption in this Colony of rabbitors’ dogs as well as those of shepherds. Captain Eussell wanted further explanation from the Premier as to tho powers under tho Act. Mr Meredith urged that a shepherd or drover should have two dogs exempt from taxation. The Premier, in replying, stated that, regarding the question of registration, ho

thought this was a matter for the local authorities. Tho second reading ot the Bill was then agreed to. NATIVE TOWNSHIPS BILL. The Minister of Lands moved the second reading of this Bill, which ho considered one of very great importance to tho North Island. Settlement was retarded in a , " ■ ' - ces in the North Island owing to inumboroif—., , '-’a title to the it being impossible to cow..- ~ land, This Bill was introduced to enau„ the Government to obtain Native land for the purpose of building townships. If members would pass tho second reading of the Bill he would be willing to refer it to the Waste Lands Committee. Mr Bell asked if the Minister would make provision for the renewal of leases on the expiry of the term Specified in the Bill ? The Minister agreed to this. Dr Newman expressed approval of tho Bill, and suggested certain land to be taken. Mr Dutiiie did not think the Bill would altogether meet the case stated. If we were to have tho townshipsdproper accommodation should bo made for our tourist traffic. Well-conducted houses, however, could not be expected to spring up without security of tenure. Tho country must go ahead—the humbug about licensed houses ought not to bo heeded. Mr G. J. Smith was reminded by the utterances of the last speaker that ho ought to ask tbo Premier when the Alcoholic Liquors Bill was coming down. Tho Premier asked tho House to agree to the second reading of tho Bill; as it was going to a committee, and also because his colleague desired to go home. Mr Massey hoped that in tho absence of tho Northern Maori members tho Bill would notjjjbo hurried through its later stages. ip . Tho second reading of the Bill was carried, and tho Bill referred to tho Native Affairs Committee. rnmiio tenders, contracts and works tin. L, The second reading of this Bill was taken pro forma, and the Bill referred to the Labour Bills Committee. WAGES ATTACHMENT ABOLITION BILL. Tho Minister of Labour moved the second reading of this Bill, which proposed to bring into force hero a law that had long been in force in England. He could see no objection to considering tho question of limiting tho amount free from attachment to Jiff per week. Mr T. Mackenzie thought the amount of the limitation suggested too high. Ho did not think that as a rlilo a Magistrate would make an attachment without good cause. Bachelors, in his opinion, ought not to have tho benefits of the Act,

Mr J. Kelly thought this little guarantee to tradesmen should not be withdrawn from them without very careful consideration. Ho would vote against the second reading of tho Bill, but if that was carried ho would limit tho amount free from attachment to 16s per week; Mr Earnshaw contended that this Bill Was a blow at tho credit system, and any blow at that system struck at the working classes. Ho would move in committee that tho attachment of wages be limited to 2s for -61, us for -62, and 10s for evety -63 per week. The Premier said that the objections raised to tho Bill so far were merely committee objections; His colleague would no doiibt agree to reasonable amendments.Mr Crowther protested against interference with any credit arrangement a man might make with his storekeeper'. Mr E. M; Smith and Mr Garnoross supported tho Bill. Mr JGuthie hoped the Minister would stand by his guns, and lay down the principle clearly that a man’s earnings could not be seized, as they had been, to pay past debts. Messrs McNab and Willis supported "the principle of tho Bill, the latter thinking, however, that it would tell against the working men as well as tho storekeepers. Messrs Hall-Jones and McGowan also spoke in favour of the Bill, the second reading of which was then agreed to, and the Billjreferred to tho Labour Bills Committee.

The House rose a few minutes after midnight.