GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14002, 7 September 1907, Page 10

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ■ FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. -Tlio ATTORNEY-GENERAL paid that before proceeding with tho business ho wished l to refer to a statement made tho previous day by a member of a deputation which waited upon the Minister of Labour to tho effect that lie (tho Attorney-general) had said in (he Ooimcil that' men who struck and failed to pay the fines imposed on them shouldi bo shot down. Tho" impression that he had.used such words having, gained wide currency compelled him to refer to the matter. Tho. statement' attributed to him was so outrageous that ho desired to tako this opportunity of denying it from the place where lia was alleged to have made it.'- Tho statement ho did make was to the effect that where there was a revolt against the law,, threatening the lifo of the community, th? harsh provisions' of the R-iot Act would have to be rcsorlcd to, but ho was not referring to the enforcement of fines;.,and'only a little earlier ho had said l that/ho did not desire that tho men should go to prison for tlio non-pav-racnt of fines imposed under the industrial award, no was of that opinion still.— ("Hear, hear.") The offence of tho nonpayment of fines was not so serious as to warrant imprisonment, but lie thought that some means should 1 be devised for enforcing payment of fig&. Ho emphatically "denied having uscdnho words attributed to him, and said that no self-respecting man would use such words agaiinst honest men who had l;een guilty of no .offence but striking against the terms of an award,. The Hon. Mr PvIGG endorsed the explanation of the Attorney-general. INFANT LIFE PROTECTION. .

Tho debate on tho Hon. Dr Collins's motion for the consideration of the provision,? in force for tho protection of infant life was resumed by the Hon. Mr Marshall,' v.'no dwelt upon the necessity of seeing that tho millc supplied as food for infants should be of the purest character.

Tho Hon. Mr LUKE said ho hoped tho desirability of establishing foundling hospitals would be inquired into.- He urged that tho heariug of cases in which infante were before the court should bp heard in camera.

.Tho Hon. Mr SINCLAIR said ho considered that a complete case had been niado out for further efforts to protect infant life; and he thought that something should bo dono in Tegard to Natives as well as Europeans. Ho eulogised Dr Truby King for the work ho had done in regard to getting at tho root of tho question under discussion.

The-Hon. Mr PAUL said he considered that insanitary homes and overcrowding and tick of fresh air wero at tlio root of tho deplorable infant mortality, and he quoted figures in support of his contention. riio Hon. Mr BARE dealt with the Socialistic aspects of the case, and sa-id to get over tho evil the wago question would have to bo taken into consideration. Ho urged that tho inspection of- homes should bo immediately taken out of the hands _of the department now having authority. It. took time to get general legislation through, and; in. tho meantime the evil was going on. What ho would urgo was that tho Government should bring down a bill at onco removing tho inspection from tho department controlling ;t. He was against the industrial school system, and favoured cottage homes, He reforred to the medical profession, an instance to show how mercenary motivca actuated a doctor, and 6aid thero wero men in tho medical profession who woro not a credit to it.—("No. no.") Doctors' charges were too high, and were made irrespective of the social position of the patient, and hesitation of working men to call in. mcdical assistance led to in.numerable deaths. *

Tho Hon. Mr MCDONALD rose to defend the mcdical profession, and attributedthe attack upon that body to icnorance (due to short experience of the colonv) of the conditions of colonial life. He "con-' tended that the medical profession was an. honour to the colony, and that no profession made such saCTiGces iu the cause of humanity or was actuated by greater benevolence than' the medical profession. . The Hon. Mr BARR said ho had not intended to, and did not, slander the whole medical profession, but he spoke of certain instance of which lie had Jiad experience, and bus experience in that rosncct was perhaps larger than the Hon. Mr Macdonald thought.

The debate was adjourned, and tho CounWedmSay 1 P ' m ' at^ournln °

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. The House met at 2.30 p.m. SPEECH BY THE MINISTER, Tlie PRIME MINISTER referred to an articlo which appeared in to-day's New Zealand Times. Ho said that no member of the Government was responsible for that article. He desired to take the oppor+i * V t? sa J' in £ t'tat his colleague in the other House had not originated the article althougti _it had been so suggested. Ho wanted also to say that it was probablv known that one or two members of tho Ministry had an interest in the Times. He_ had not at any timo, either, written an article for appoarance in • tbe paper concorning any member of any side of the I°' ?° also to say that no member of the Government was responsible, for that articlo, and he added that no member of the Government was a director TW°i P ' U? %- E « fo r r . in ? <0 an articlo in Thuredaj s rimes, which is described as of great severity, he said that personally he i ■if urall <» of those 'hon. membeis Had voted against the Government that there was no compact f n! ? m l^ ra ol tho Opposition, and lie oflK - h?w K sta l C r oata ' Qu a* l ni e h * 1 , that an ailiancc did oust, aud lie had said so. If such an V €X ! Sted > thcri obviously if. would place him m a position that ho could not CMpt, as it would not be possible with n rotain *" 3 position, In offoct it would mean that an alb'ance could bo arranged bj; which members could bring about a position reversing the policy of ShfoMWrt; was ' he added ' l uit6 ment ,hore , W3S V 0 «« cl '' "rangeSernW «f UU p memb «'s that not a mcmb.r ©f tnc Government would refer f dTOgator y coined in .th o ih'fthl S ?i" 1 ? r of t,le ouse ! adding'' npmbnr )t° p or 'S lnato from any munboi of tho Government, On Wcdne'wy night the position was that with anv n^H 10 ! 1 t", lT and minin 6 interests t ought have led to other defeats and alterations to the tariff, whioh would have toula emous effect, on the finances 0 f tho colony, and under the circumstances lid deemed it advisable to report progress in order to consider the matter. Referring to tho remarks the article re • tho Speaker, he said that so far as the Governmcn was ooncemed the Speaker had at in a m ' es i a ? T wlltl abs olutc impartiality ill tlio chair. It was only right that ho should have the opport,unity of sayin* so as the Speaker could not explain from his position ill the chair. It was onlv ririit St!?.? 1 of tho colony, that tho Speaker should not take, part in party str fo, but he had a perfcet right in commit oo to exercise his right as a member as lie thought fit.

SPEECHES BY OTHER MEMBERS. GREENSLADE said that on Wednesday he had jnterjccted that lie had told tho Government whips all about it. but ho meant by that that the vote would be V k' y Ho had not in'ima-ted to tho whips that any combination had been arlanged, nor. did.he hint at such,a thing. Mr GRAHAM said that the writer of tho artielehadhmted that he himself, Mr Hogan, and Mr Flatman had discreetly absented tr.oinselycs from the division because thev wre airaw to give a sfcraightout vote. Ho explained that on tho day of tile, division ho had returned from Nelson with iriends, and had absented himself from tho .House for a sitort time, and on his returning tlio doors wejro locked for tho division. Wad ho been in the House at, the time lie would have given his voto in sunport of tho Government.

Mr FLATMAN explained that before leaving the Chamber he had asked for a pair, but could not obtain it, and was too late on his return to' vote. Mr IIO&AN said that from what he had heard ho was led io believe that the article under notice was inspired, but lie was pleased to hear the Prime Minister's-denial of that point. Ho had never yet dodged a division, and never would. He knew nothing of any alliance having been arranged. He added that he had informedMr Poland, a mining member, that he would like to eupport him in the matter but that he was dead against him. He did not think the tariff should be a party matter, but if so ho urged that the Govern^

ment should make a statement on iho mutter, when mcmbors could vote "confidence" or "rio confidence." He asked the Prime Minister to mako a statement in regard to the flour duty and its bearing on tlio Government, as lie intended to vole for tho abolition of the duty. Mr HORNSBY said he bad no allegianco to anyone • but to his constituents who sent him to tho House, He resented very much the attack that had been made on tho Speaker, Rnd asked was it right, to disfranchise his electorate. Ho urged that, they ought most jealously, to guard the Speaker, and he would think with shame if there were many men on the press ot ITI l , 10 could descend to the depths. of .degradation, and crawlsomeness that appeared in that article. He eame to the House toAippoirt a Liberal Governmont, and intended to do so. If it ever came to a question of putting anyone else on the (.OTOrnmonf. benches,, then he would be found 111 the lobby opposed to that, but, ho claimed the right to vote on otW inaucrs consi'ience dictated. ilr said that, an an old pressman, the article was so vindictive that he could not speak in terms stag enough of It. If he was not. to be allowed to give his voto as he,thought right in tho interests of ins constituents, then lie would rather be out of politics altogether 'i'Jie. PRIME MINISTER said the tariff was not a party question. He had .said so betore and ipembcrs were free to vote as they : desired, but a ease of alliance ~n-known known to the Government was a different matter. Hp conceded the right to the fullest extent of mom Iters to' exercise their vote as they though fit, • Ho dcolincd to be held personally responsible,for any.articlc appearin the £ew Zealand Times .whilst hclield P° s '"? n as Pnmo Minister. Members . the Government who held shares on the journal cud so jn their private capacity. FOREIGN TRIBUNAL'S EVIDENCE i BELL. Tlio Hon. ilr M'GOWAN moved the second reading of the Foreign Tribunals ■ftvideiico Billj which. has alreadv been posset! by tho Council. The second readmg was agreed to. ' • . i.

POLICE OFFENCES' ACT. The, amendments. made to the Police Offences Act Amendment Bill in commute® were agreed to, arid, the bill was read a third time and passed. THE CHTTTELS TRANSFER ACT. ■D-ri Transfer- Act Amendment Bill, already passed by the . Council, was reau a second time.

METHYLATED SPIRIT BILL. The Hon. Mr MILLAR, in moving the second reading of the Methylated Spirit I3i , said the spirit was imported at Is per gallon, any was then put process of ceodorising and used for tho purposes ot culinary essences and adulterating spirits. By the process of deodorising the spirit was reduced to such a condition that there wero absolutely no iraces of its over having been methylated, and consequently the revenuo was-' being considerably defrauded. AHe explained that undor tho bill it would fig an offcnco to purify spirit, to have 6uch a spirit in one's possession, or to use methylated spirit? in perfumesj etc. Under the bill power is also given to Customs officers to enter and 'search buildings where there is a reasonable suspicion that- spirit .is being or lias been purified. Jlr MASSEY. pointed out that two years ago Mr Millar strcnously opposed the bill, and yet now brought down" a more drastic measure.

Mr MILLAR/sitid that cesencc of lemon was being, sold at 18s per gallon, which, if properly made under bound, could not be sold under 26s per gallon. Other abuses were also rife. Tho socond reading was agreed to. COAL MINES. The Coal Miues Act' Amendment Bill was committed. The Hon. Mr M'GOWAX explained that the bill was practically the same as last year, and it was in somo rcspcete intended to bring it into lino with the Mining Act, particularly -in regard to prospecting for coal, and to provide; for the health and of . workersMr JAMES ALLEN said he would like the Minister, to givo reasons why somo of the. alterations were made to tho existing law, particularly in regard to clause 4. relating to denuty mine managers. Under the clftufti the agent of the mine can appoint some person holding it mine manager's certificate to act as deputy manager during the manager's incapacity,. ,but no such deputy may act for more than M days unless authorised by an inspector. Air Allen slated that the condition that the deputy, under these "circumstances, should hold a certificate, would press hard on the small mines.

Mr HERRIES congratulated tho Government on including a., clause enabling the workers in State'mines to come under the Arbitration Act.

Mr M'GOWAX, explained that the life of one man in a small mine Jiad the isarno right to protection as a number of men in a larger mine,' and that was his reason for tile provision that the deputy mine manager should- be a. certificated man. ■At clause 3, scction E—the area of land to which a coal prospecting license relates shall in no : case_ exceed 5000 acres—the Hon. Mr GUINNESS moved an amendment to incrcaso the. area .'to 4000 acres. Mr ELL said tho cffcct of tho amendment would be that six men could secure an option over ,24,000' acres .for a period of two years,- and could have it extended to another year. -.

Mr FLATiIAN said the bill created a monopoly.. _Ho suggested that, 'tho Minister should bring down a measure to give pcopie the right 'to bore wherever ,they liked . for coal-, without- paying any fee. Under this:bill only .capitalists could undertake prospecting. Mr ALLISON said that a poor man could take up an aiea at 6d per acre. :

Mr IIO&G maintained that coal should 'be reserved for the people, and the Government should take; steps in that direction. If it, was going to allow prospecting to go oil it shoulit lie limited to an area of .1000 acres.'"

Mr WDjFORD, in opposing tho amendment, said the timo of a, license (two yeajs) was too 6mall and the area, too largo, and 'gave too much assistance to syndicates. Ho that tho bill laid down no labour conditions, and did ,not. specify what works eliould bo dono before a prospectus of a. company _ was issued, and the unsuspecting investor induced to ta;ko shares.

Mr HOGG said the most important, cjauso in the bill hjid been struck out in committee. Ho referred to the clause providing {or tho Kitting .apart of areas for Stato mines on tlio Woslland and Nekon coalfields. .

Tho Hon. Mr M'GOWAN said that 3000 acres was a very literal prospecting area. Tlw amendment waa lost on tlio voices.

. 'In clause 4,- on tho motion of Mr M'GOWAN, an amendment was made providing that a deputy manager need not Tie tho'holder of a mine manager's certificate, but must be approved by tho inspector. In -reply to a question, Mr M'GOWAN stated that tho Crown had made considerable reservations for coal mines, and he believed that in the ooiirse of some vcars they'would have not only the best, but the largest output of coal in the colony., Clause 19a, which was inserted by tho Mines Committee, and which provides that the owner of a coal mincrahall on demand sutmly to tho secretary of the union of workers a. copy of any pav sheet eliowing tho paymcnts io those employees subject to an award of the Arbitration Court, was struck out on the ■ Minister's suggestion, lie moved that another clause bo substituted providing that mine-owners shall supply, on' the request of the < secretary of a' miners' union, a copy 'of the dockets ; given _to the ' employees of mines showing the hours worked and tbe amount earned. The clause Was amended so as to refer only to eroployecs subject to any award of the Arbitration .Court, and it wsn ansroed to. Mr GUINNESS said, in order to enable applicants for ooal-rnining leases to ascertain definitely tho amount of thoir deposit with tho Publio Trustee, he would move that tho deposit- be at tho rate of 6s per acre.

The Hon. ilr ATGOWAN said the amendmen* was not necessary.

Amendment nogwtived,

Progress was then reported, and tho House rose at 1.15 a.m.