N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9592, 26 July 1907, Page 4

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

(Per Press Association./ * Wellington, July 25. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Gisborne Harbor Bill (Hon. J. Oarroll) and the Wellington City Empowering Bill (Mr Fisher) were read a fiist time, and were referred to the Local Bills Committee. —Loan Bill.— The Loan Bill was brought down by Governor's Message and was read a first time. —Noxious Weeds.— The Noxious Weeds Act Amendment Bill was considered! in committee. An amendment by Mr Rutherford to exempt portions of the Amuri aaid Cheviot Coun ties from the operations of the Bill was subsequently withdrawn. During the discussion Mr Stallworthy referred to the time when Mr Alison was fined under the Noxious Weeds Act for failing to clear his land of weeds. Mr. Alison stated that the prosecution was a political one. The Hon. T. Y. Duncan, who was Minister of Lands at the time, denied- that- it was a political prosecution. He said ithad never been brought under his notice m any way until to-day. The discussion was proceeding when the House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. —Evening Sitting.— The House resumed at 7.30. Li the absence of Sir W. J. Steward, who was in the chair in the afternoon, Mr Buddo took the chair. —Noxious Weeds.— The Noxious Weedfe Act Amendment Bill was further considered in committee. An •amendment that Auckland should be included an the operations of the Bill, which occupied the attention of members during , almost the whole afternoon, was further \ debated. Ultimately the clause as amend- ' ed was agreed to. Mr Heke moved a further amendment I to limit the operations of the Bill to the I 'land district of Nelson and Auckland City. ] At 11.15 p.m. Mr Ngata moved to report progress. He said the Maori mom- | hers did not desire to block business, but | they objected to the Bill 'before the Hpusc. ] Progress was reported, 'and the Hon. J. Carroll moved the adjournment. Mr Hogg said ho was sorry to oppose the motion, -and rose to say that he -had seen -tactics' adopted that day which he had never before witnessed in that House. No great object- was served beyond prevent ang the Teadin-g of two Bills he had brought before the House—the abolition of plural voting and the Flour Duty Abolition Bill. Mr Flatman raised a point of order as to whet hen Mr Hogg could speak on matters still to be placed before the House. The Speaker ruled that Mr Hogg was in order in mentioning measures, but could not speak an them. Mr Hogg went on to criticise the action of members of the House during the afternoon sitting in committee, particularly mentioning 'Messrs Flatman and Izard. Mr Flatman protested that he was not present during the afternoon. Tie only spoke at .night: and if he was guilty of delaying the business of the House, so was'.Mr Hogg, who had also spoken on the Bill. Mr Hall said there seemed to be collusion letween l>oth sides of the House to keep the debate proceeding. He characterised the speeches as "Tot" and "rubbish," but when (tailed to order ho withdrew the statement. Mr Massey said there had been no collusion on his part; the other side of tlie House could speak for itself. Mr Hoes said he would leave it to the House to decide whether he should proceed with has measures, which he characterised -as being of great importance to the whole colony, and wliich sooner or later must be brought down. Other members wlio spoke denied being guilty of the alleged stonewalling. The House adjourned at 11.35 p.m.