HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9095, 14 July 1915, Page 10

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The Speaker (the Hon. F. W. Lang) took the chair at 2.30 p.m. Dr H. T. J. Thacker (Christchurch East) gave notice to ask for leave to introduce the Lyttelton. Harbour Board Election Bill, also the Harbour Act, 1908, Amendment Bill.

The Hon. A. L. Herdman gave notice of his intention to introduce the WarFunds Bill. The Industrial Unions and Trade Unions Enabling Bill (Mr J. McCombs), The Unregistered Nurses Registration Bill, The Factories Act Amendment Bill, and The Gas Supply Control Bill (Mr Webb, on behalf of Mr Payne), were introduced and read a first time.. ORGANISING THE MEDICAL SERVICE.

Sir Joseph Ward asked the Minister for Public Health whether any steps had been taken to organise the medical service of the Dominion, so that the country would have the benefit of their active and expert services in connection with camps and other military work. The matter was one of the greatest importance to the Dominion. The Hon. B. H. Rhodes said that a deputation of medical men had waited upon the Minister for Defence and himself, and he had agreed to hold a conference with them on the matter. He had subsequently seen Dr Valintine, and had asked him to arrange a conference with the British Medical Association. TOTALISATOE PERMITS.

Mr L. M. Isitt (Christchurch North) asked the Prime Minister whether he was aware that a racing conference was to be held in Wellington, and if so would he give expression to an opinion that the number of totalisator permits granted should b© decreased during the period of the war. Last year the public invested a sum of £4,188,594 on the totalisator, and notwithstanding the distress caused by the war, it seemed as if this sum would still increase. He asked the Prime Minister to make a statement, and make an appeal to the patriotism of the members of the conference. Such an appeal, he thought, would carry a good deal of weight. The Prime Minister said that ho was not sure whether the hon. gentleman wished to have legislation' on the subject, or whether the permits should be withheld. He was glad that the hon. member had been able to inform him that the conference was being held. The matter had received the consideration, of the Government, but it was not considered advisable at present to introduce legislation or to withhold permits. Some shch action might have to be taken later on. Mr Isitt: "But cannot you give some expression of your opinion r" Sir Joseph Ward: "Ask Mr Snick.” Mr D. Buick: (Palmerston North): "I’d like to give you my opinion.” (Laughter.’) FANNING ISLAND CABLE STATION, Mr C. J. Parr (Eden) said, that it was stated in Auckland that the officer recently appointed to the charge of the Fanning Island cable station was a German. (Cries of "Oh!”) He wished to ask the Government whether this was so, or whether it would make inquiries into the question. He also wished to know whether the station was under the control of the New Zealand Government.

The Prime Minister said that the station was not under the control of the Government, but of the Pacific Cable Board. Still, he would make inquiries into the statement.