LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13995, 30 August 1907, Page 6

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29.

The Council met 'at 2.30 p.m. The Pure Foods Bill Committee brought down a report recommending that the, measure be passed with its amendments incorporated , . APIARIES BILL.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Apiaries Bill, passed by the other Chamber, to encourage and protect the bee industry in Nmv Zealand. Ho explained that the principal 'provision was to make the keeping of frame hives compulsory _■ for purposes of iuepeetion. Other provisions dealt with foul brood and the treatment of diseased hives.

Tho Hon. Mr'ANSTKY said ho had failed id discover by inquiry what was foul brood. Ho pointed out the futility of clause 3, providing that beekeepers shall within eeven days after becoming aware of bee disease notify the .Secretary for Agriculture or \he Inspector of Stock, inasmuch as beekeepers' would take care not to become aware of the disease. The powers given to the inspectors were too wide. With regard to the compulsory use of frame hives they ought to be certain that these wore obtainable at a. price within reach of persons with small means before insisting upon the provision.

The Hon. Mr BALDEY said he thought that frame hives were essential to tho prevention of disease in bcee.

The Hop T. KELLY said he thought the provision regarding frame hives ought to be enforced in moderation.

Tlio Hon Mr M'OARDLE supported the bill.

The Hon. Mr JONES drew attention to certain apparent defects in the drafting of the bill. Tlio ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that if the Mil was passed it would afford some measure ot protection, which was its Boie object. The second reading was agreed to. MAORI LAND SETTLEMENT. - ;

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Maori Land Settlement Act, received from the Hotisc, enabling the Colonial Treasurer to raise a sum of £50,000 to be expended in. the purchase of land in accordance with the act of 1905, also to give power to acquire any undivided interests in Maori lands.

The Hon. WI PERE complained that tho bill did not explain tho class of lands which the Government sought power to acquire. The Hon. Mr JTOARDLE, in supporting the bill, eaid ho was only sorry that the eirm asked for was not in accordance with the importance of the subject, He could not too strongly emphasise the importance of the Government acquiring the vastjtraote j/jf Native lands, leaving sufficient for tho W6e of the Natives. If this were tlone, and the recommendation of the Nativo Land Commission adopted, it would be found valuable. Communities would bo established who would work hand in hand for the bencSt of the European and tho Natives alike.

Ike Hon. Mr SAMUEL strongly urged tho acqmeition of Native laTids for settlement, after reserving sufficient for the purposes of the Natives. Tho Hon. llr LOUGHNAN- supported the bill.

The Hon. Mr ORMOND expressed disappointment that the amounj; proposed to be borrowed was already allocated. Unless waste lands hold bj the Maoris were acquired l>y the Government, settlement, would ba indefinitely postponed. The Hon. DrITNDLAY having replied, the second reading was agreed to. The Council rose at *.5 p.m.