PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15858, 2 September 1913, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

, NOTES FROM THE PRESS GALLERY. (Fhoh Oub Own Cobbespondent.) WELLINGTON,. September 1. Public and private Bills aie likely to engage the attention of the House of Representatives during the greater part of this week, and it i 6 unlikely that, consideration of the Estimates will be resumed before Friday. On Wednesday the House will be occupied with private Bills, the Prime Minister having promised that two more days will be set aside for their consideration before they are permanently set aside in favour of Government business.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND BILL. One highly important measure which is dtte to be introduced this week is the Bank of New Zealand Bill, The opinion is general that the present relationship between the Rank and the State will be retained in its main features, but that the shareholders may possibly be granted some, additional representation on the directorate.

Other Bills due this week are the Land Bill and the Industrial Conciliation, and Arbitration Act ■ Artiendment Bill. Reports likely to be presented include those on land, labour, prisons, and the first report to Parliament of the Public Service Commissioners.

THE RAILWAY STATEMENT. The Hon. W. H. Herries (Minister of Railways) stated to-day that he was not in a position 'to say definitely when the Railways Statement would be introduced, but that it would probably be brought down two or three weeks hence. The projected Native Land Act Amendment Bill is likely to be introduced about the same tiijie. Another piece of legislation that Mr HeTrres has in hand is the portion of a Rating Amendment Bill dealing with Native lands. Amongst other things it Will amend the machinery now existing in connection with ,the collection of rates on Native lands, the aim being to reduoe the difficulties now experienced by county councils and other local bodies in collecting Native rates.

jottings; The Legislative Council will resume on Wednesday, and the committee appointed to consider and report upon the Reform Bill will also sit then. It is' expected to report this week. Sir Joseph Ward stated, on being questioned this evening, that he had no announcement to make on the subject of the Opposition leadership.