N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2695, 8 November 1905, Page 14

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26.

LAND FOR SETTLEMENT ACT EXTENSION BILL. The division list on the second reading of Mr Baume's new clause, to provide thatin future lands for settlement shall not be disposed of under the lease in perpetuity, was as follows: — For the Clause (34). — Messrs Aitken, Alison, J. Allen, Arnold, Barber, Baume, Buchanan, Duthie, Ell, Field, Fisher, Fowlds, A. L. D. Fraser, W. Fraser, Hanan, Harding, Hardy, Herries, Kirkbride, Laurenson, Lethbridge, lie-wis, Massey, M'Xab, Moss, Reid. Ehodes, E.u%sell, Sidey, Syme.s, Tanner, Taylor, Vile "Wilford.

Against the Clause (25).— Messrs Bennet, Buddo, Carroll, Colvin, Duncan, Flatman, Graham, Hall-Jones, Hogg, Kidd, Lang, Lawry, M'Gowan, R. M'Kensie, T. Mackenzie, M'Laehlan, Mills, Parata, Pere, Remington, Seddow, Smith, Ward, Willis, Wood. Pairs. — For the Clause : Mr Jennings. Against the Clause: Mr Davey.

Mr BA.UME then moved a new clause, providing that all land for settlements shall b© open on the occupation with right of purchase tenure. This was read a second time by 38 to 23. The division list is as follows: —

For the Clause. — Messrs Alisony J. Allen, Paunw, Bennct, Can-oil, Colvin, Duncan, Duthie, Field, A. L. D. Fraser, W. Frasei, Hall, Harding, Haa-dy, Hawkins, Harries, 3y.<?d, Kirkbride, Lang, Lawry, Lethbridge, Lewis, Maasey, T. Mackenzie. M'Nab, Mills, Moss. Parata, Pere, Reid, Rhodes, Russell, Seadon, Smith, Symes, Vile, Ward, "Wilford. Against the Clause. —Messrs Aitken, Arnold, Baober, Bucklo, Ell, Fisher, Flatman, Fowlds, Graham Hall-Gores, Hanaii, Hogg, Laurenson, M'Gowan. R. M'Kenzie, M'Lachlaii, Remington, Sidey, Tanner, Taj'lor, Willis, "Witty, Wood. Pairs. — For the Clause: Messrs Jennings, Major, and Bollard Against the Clause: Messr a Davey, E. G. Allen, and Bedford.

Mr LAURENSON thereupon moved that the Chairman leave the chair (with the object of killing the bill). He was, he said, fully determined that the bill should proceed no further, and he declared that they had • been deceived by the leaders of the party. He went on to refer to someone's back being on the wrong side of the wall, and contended that the leader of the party had deliberately thrown principles to the wind. " I have no words strong enough to characterise conduct such as this," said Mr Laurenson, and he went on to intimate that he meant to stick -the bill up for all time. He concluded his remarks by referring to the Premier as having ■shuffled and "prevaricated," remarks for which he was called to order.

Mr TAYLOR, said the Premier had only one object — his own political preservation, — a-nd he (Mr Taylor) intimated that the House would get no further until it knocked out or dropped this proposal. He also declared that the Premier would have power, even if he parted with every acre of Crown lands, to accomnlish its purpose. The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON, Av-ho opened by saying he was amused, declared that Messrs Laurenson and Taylor had blundered in introducing the land policy into a money bill. One of the principal features of the bill was the lease in perpetuity, and yefc the opponents of th© freehold had voted against that, and were now in trouble. On this question the people would have their say. The bill was required to enable the Government to purchase land for settlements, and if \he bill was blocked it was not his fault.

Mr TAYLOR: It's clue to your lack ol firmness.

Mr SEDDON went on to declare that one of the most egregious blunders of the session had been the striking out of tho lease in perpetuity. Mr TAYLOR: It's only a blunder, because you won't bring in another lease. "I'm very glad to see myself in the present situation," said the PREMIER as he resumed his seat.

Strong opposition to th© freehold was shown by Mr R M'Kenzie, and he expressed the finn belief that the freehold clause proposed would never become a clause of the bill during the present sessions—He was followed by Mr LAURENSON, who strongly condemned the freehold clause, and said he was prepared to sbay in Wellington for two or three weeks more rather than let such a clause go through.— Mr T. MACKENZIE spoke strongly against the leasehold doctrines of the member for Lyttelton.— Mr HERRIBS remarked on the extraordinary fact that th© head of tho Government had no policy on the land question, and had fallen cut with his most violent supporters on the !

the Opposition was chagrined because th© freehold trap set for the Government had failed to snare it. — He was followed by Mr TAYLOR with the charge that the Liberal party was without a policy and without a leader, and that the Premier's only ambition was to save himself politic cally. He also declared that the Premier had discovered that the Farmers' Unioa could make enough noise to lead to the belief that it could hold the balance of. power at the coming elections, and, therefore, he had given way.— Mr SEDDON contended that it was a mistake to attempt to alter the tenure on a bill merely asking for money to buy land with. — After further debate the motion that the Chairman leave -the chair was lost on the voices.— Mr SEDDON then moved to report progress, which was carried "on the voices.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27.

BILLS PASSED. The Mining Acts Compilation Bill passed

its final stages. Th© Hon. A. PITT moved the second reading of the Australian and New Zealand Naval Defence Bill. Th© Hon. Mr RIGG said the bill was a simple one in appearance only. H© objected to the Government having power to alter in any way the terms of an agreement embodied in our statute law without the consent of Parliament. The point he objected to was that the bill would give the Government power to extend the 10 years which made the term of the agreement. The Hon. A. PITT said the bill had no such intentions as those pointed out by Mr RiggThe second reading was agreed to on the voices. In committee on the bill the Hon. Mr RIGG moved an amendment to provide that no supplementary agreement shall have the effect of extending the period of 10 years. — This was lest by 21 to 1. and the bill was put through its final stages. The Maori Land Settlement Bill passed through committee with verbal amendments, and passed its final stages. " WORKERS' DWELLINGS. It was resolved that the Council do not insist on its amendments in the Workers' Dwellings Bill.

BILL PASSED.

The Education Act Amendment Bill passed its final stages.

SHOPS AND OFFICES BILL.

When the report of the conference on th© Shops and Offices Bill was presented the Hon. Mr -RIGG complained' that everything that had been bad in th© bill as it; left the Council had been accepted by; the Lower House, and only that part of it in th© interests of th© shop assistants had been refused. Th© Hon. Mr JENKINSON felt pleased at the result of the conference. The Council had, by standing up for its rights, presented shop assistants from working everywhere up till 7 o'clock on every evening. The Hon. Mr BOLT seid the conclusion! arrived at by the conference proved that the general run of sympathy was against the workers, and if they were ever to get any advantage it would only be won by hard fighting. Yet the bill was not a bad one, and the Council might accept it until an improved one was obtained. The Hon. G. JONES said he was disappointed with the bill, but they must accept it till they got a better. _ Th© Hon. Mr MARSHALL considered the bill was satisfactory, fair, and reasonable. , _ .. The Hon. Mr RIGG said those Councillors who were opposing the bill wanted all shops closed every" evemig at 6 o clock, regardless of the smaller shopkeepers, wnicb would b© most unjust to tho latter, who would in such a case be debarred from earn-

The Hoo! T. K. MACDONALD considered the bill would give infinite satisfaction to all, and was a vast improvement on th© act of last session. After further discussion an amendment by Mr JONES to refer the report of the conference to a committee was lost by votes to 4, and the report was adopted on the voices.

CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION.

The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act Amendment Bill was considered in committee. Some discussion took place about clause 12, providing for the issuing of a permit to work at less than the minimum wage. The clause had been struck out by the Labour Bills Committee, but it was retained by 36 to 20. Objection^ was also taken to clause 14, enabling a magistrate to hear cases of enforcement of awards. The clause had been struck out by the Labour Bills Committee, and after some discussion was struck out by 40 to 17. The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON moved a new clause, of which the following are the chief provisions: — (1) Any industrial union or industrial association or employer, or any worker, whether a member of any such union or association or not, which or who shall strike or create a lock-out, or take part in a strike or lock-out, or propose, aid, or abet a strike or lock-out, or a movement intended to produce a strike or 'ockout, shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable to a penalty, and may be proceeded against in the same manner as if it or he were guilty of a breach of an award: provided that the penalty shall not exceed one hundred pounds for any such offence in the case of a union, association, or employer, or ten pounds in the case of a worker. (2) No worker shall be subject to a penalty merely because he refuses fco work, or announces his intention to refuse to work, at the rate of wages fixed by any award or industrial agreement unless the court is satisfied that such refusal was in pursuance of an intention to commit a breach of this section; (3) This section shall only apply when there is an award or industrial agreement relating to the trade in connection with which such strike or lock-out has occurred or is impending ill force in the district where the alleged offence is committed or some part thereof. Mr Seddon said that within the last three days his attention had been called to the possibility of a strike, and this new clause was designed to meet it. The clause wa9 agreed to without debate. Another new olause was proposed by Mr Tanner, practically laying down tho principle of preference for unionists. It was rejected by 31 to 17.

The bill was reported, with amendments, and put through its final stages. COMPENSATION FOR ACCIDENTS.

The Workers' Compensation for Accident*

The Labour Bills Committee had struck "out the clause providing a minimum payment of £1 as weekly compensation. The clause ' was retained by 36 to 18. In clause 3, providing that payment of compensation may be in a lump sum, Mr Massey moved an amendment to provide that before fixing the amount the court shall take into consideration the ability of the employer to pay the lump sum. — This was agreed to. The House adjourned for lunch at 1 p.m. and resumed again at 2.30 p.m. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. Sir J. G. WARD moved the second reading of the New Zealand International Exhibition Bill, which provides for the appointment of an- Executive Commissioner for the purposes of carrying out the Exhibition and the admission of exhibits free of duty, together with other necessary machinery. It also proposes that a local authority may, out of its- ordinary revenue, defray the cost of "collecting and preparing exhibits of the products' and resources x of its district, ' and gives ■ power to the commissioner to make regulations for the management of the Exhibition. The Minister added that authority had been given for a .railway siding to be constructed into .- the - Exhibition. Already .there were indications .of ,»> large number of visitors from outsicl&' J >; - • ' ,* ■"'' ~ ■ Sir "W. JR. RUSSELL urgfed that the bill gave- too much- financial, .control into the hands of the commissioner and the Colonial Secretary, and J. he .complained, that the . House w,as; given no. idea what- the Exhibition would cost. Sir J» ' G," WARD : The lowest tender is about £25,000. ' Replying after a brief debate, Sir J. G. WARD said he would be disappointed if at the end of, the Exhibition the colony's contribution amounted to more than £30,000. / ' The second reading was agreed to on> the Toices.

TEACHERS' SUPERANNUATION. When the amendments made in committee in the Teachers' Superannuation Bill came up -for consideration. Mr FOWLDS moved that the House go into.- committee 'for the purpose of considering, a motion that an address be presented to the Governor praying that provision be made for an annual appropriation^ of £17,000, to be paid to the fund as recommended -by^ the Education Committee so as to make the scheme aeluaria-lly Bound. — This was" ruled out of order. The . amendments made ■■ in committee in the bill were agreed to, and on the motion of the PREMIER -it was' recommitted for the purpose of considering a new clause brought .down by Governor's Message conserving the existing rights of contributors under the Civil , Service Act. — This new clause . was adopted on" the voices. - <On the for the - third ' reading -of the bill, - //.-,'MiV'MASSEY said-jthat while approving '©£_tbe>prineiple' of -the- bill- -he " regretted that the Government had; not seen its way to/adopt 'the recommendation of. the -Edu'ca--tion Committee \ and thereby place the scheme on a sound /financial-basis. ' Mr FOWLDS spoke to the same effect. ..'-Sir J. Gf. WARD ;.t)pinted out that the Education. Committee" had .not 'recommended j •the ~ raising of ' 'the- capital (assumed- ati £400,000)." The committee- Tecommended ; . only that- the interest 'shall 'be waid-rthat a .sum of 1 money should be paid into tho j -fund" to"' meet an imaginary ' capital. Mr j Fowlds, however, was advocating that with out -"the security, of the State money should j _be borrowed, that -the contributors to the J fund were to make up the interest "upon it- 1 and that they were to be independent of the House and country. Would they get teachers' to approve that kind of policy? Ho did^not think so. He pointed out that the only superannuation scheme in the Old Country which had done well had first of all been condemned by the actuaries. The debate* was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment

rfiLL PASSED. The Workers' Compensation for Accident Bill was put through" its final stages. -

TEACHERS' SUPERANNUATION.

The debate on the third reading of the Teachers' Superannuation: ~Ui|K was - .continued by Messrs James^All'en, -M'Nab, and Millar, who agreed with"- Messrs . Massey and Fowlds that the scheme •should be made actuarily^sound from the outset. " Mr SEDDON, in his reply, contended that' with tEe~ State guarantee the fund must' ba solvent, and he maintained -that the country was in a -position to give that guarantee. .As to the actuarial position, the Ihistoxy -of the • friendly societies showed that 'too, .much reliance must not be placed on. actuarial warnings'. As for the taunts that we - were throwing our - responsibilities on posterity^ he-.stated without fear .of contradiction the "work done - under this -scheme -, would • confer vast benefits on posterity. Efe hoped- that before he left the service of . the .colony there would, be, as-ti^e outcome of what were doing now J with' the various schemes before the--House, a retiring annuity for every worker in' the colony. The bill then passed its final stages on the voices.

THE EXHIBITION.

The New Zealand International Exhibition Empowering Bill Was committed. In the oourse of considerable discussion Sir J. 6. WARD said at present Mr Munro, of the Tourist Department, was acting as executive commissioner, but it would be for the Government 'later on to appoint a chief executive commissioner. Eventually Sir J. G. Ward moved to report progress on the bill, which was agreed to. SHOPS AND OFFICES. It was announced that an agreement had been arrived at between the two Houses in regard 'to the amendments made by* the Legislative Council in the Shops and Offices Bill. When the report of the conference on the bill was submitted to the House it was decided to defer consideration of it untii.it had been printed. The report of the conference between the two Houses on the Shops and Offices Bill was presented to the House after the supper adjournment. The arrangement come to was that subsection 1 of clause 3a, -inserted by the Legislative Council, should be struck out and be replaced by a clause providing — (1) Subject to the provisions of the principal act and to any award of the Arbitration Court, a shop assistant shall not be employed (a) in or about any shops in which any one or more of the trades or businesses mentioned m the -schedule are exclusively carried on after the hour set opposite to such trade or business, provided that no female assistant ' shall be employed in or about any such shop (other than a refreshment room) after 9 p.m., except on Christinas Eve or

New Year's Eve; or (b) in or about any other shop, if situate within a combined district, or a borough not forming part of a combined district, and having a population of 5000 or upwards, after 1 o'clock in the afternoon of the statutory closing day, or 9 o'clock in the evening on one working day in each week, or 6 o'clock in the evening on any other working day ; or (c) in or about any other shop if situate with a borough not included in paragraph (b) after 1 o'clock in the afternoon of the statutory closing day, or 9 o'clock in the evening of -one working day in each week, or 7 o'clock in the evening on any other working day; or (d) in or about any shop not included in any of the foregoing paragraphs after 1 o'clock in the afternoon of the statutory closing day, or such hours on other working days a,s may be fixed by the occupiers for the closing of such shops. The arrangement come to also provides that a chemist may keep his shop open and employ his assistants (but only for the supply of medicines and surgical appliances) between 7 and 9 p.m on the statutory closing day. The mombers of an occupier's family are not to be deemed to be shop assistants within the meaning of this section, but it is provided that'the provisions of the principal act relating- to the statutory halfholiday and to the number of hours that shop assistants may be employed in any week shall apply to *' the members of an occupier's family." . Another new. clause provides that where a hairdresser lets any chair, or part of his shop, to any other person, the lessee shall, for all the purposes of the principal act, be deemed lo be a shop assistant, and the lessor an employer. The conference also proposed to accept the other amendments made by the Council in the bill.

The PREMIER intimated that he would bring down an amendment by Governor's Message making it clear that the wife of an occupier who assisted her husband in the shop was not a shop assistant.

EDUCATION BILL

The amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Education Act Amendment Bill were^greed to.

THE HARVESTER TRUST. The House went into committee for consideration of the Publio Works Estimates, but the discussion was interrupted to ' enable a bill to be brought down by Governor s Message for the purpose of controlling the Harvester Trust.

Mr SEDDON said the proposal was that the bill, if agreed to, would expire on the Ist September next year. They did not propose to alter the tariff, but to set up a Board of Advice consisting of the president of the Arbitration Court, representatives of the Farmers' Union, the Trades and .Labour Councils, and the Agricultural Associations.' If it appeared that the Harvester Trust was- acting .unfairly ,the board might be called - upon to investigate the matter and report to the Government. If the manufacturers of the colony reduced the price of : implements by 20 per cent, tho board could be called together «nd asked to report as to whether or not a duty equal to : the amount of the reduction should be placed on such articles. The Premier went on to remark that unless the House was unanimous nothine could be done. He moved that the bill be read a first time so that it could be circulated.

Mr MASSEY said he did not think the bill meant very much. It proposed to set up an* advisory board. He did not think there was - very much chance of it ■ going through. He did not like anything in the way of panic legislation. If the Government had brought down a bill placing on the free list the articles affected by this bill it would have been agreed to unanimously. Mr SEDDON, in reply, remarked that if they could not get all they wanted they might get something in the direction indicated by the Leader of the Opposition. His earnest ' advice was that something should be dono to protect the industries concerned. The bill was read a first time. PUBLIC WORKS ESTIMATES. The Public Works Estimates were passed without alteration. NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL

EXHIBITEON EMPOWERING BILL.

The New Zealand International Exhibition Empowering Bill was put through committee and its final stages. LAWRENCE-ROXBURGH RAILWAY.

While the Estimates were being considered to-night -Mr Hanan moved to strike out the vote for the Lawrence-Roxburgh railway, £10,000. He said it should be struck out on the ground that the extension from" Heriot would be cheaper and shorter. Tho Minister of Public Works replied that the cost of the three routes — Heriot extension, Rae's Junction, and Lawrence-Roxburgh — would be about the' same, but the latter would be the more productive. Mr Bennet referred to the Roxburgh meeting, at which he said Mr Hanan Jiad been snubbed. Mr Hanan denied this. He said he had received three cheers. An hon. member suggested these two should go to Roxburgh and settle the question. Mr Bedford said Mr Hanan' s motion had been prompted by pique, and that, the - Roxburgh people wanted the route via Lawrence. Mr Bennet added that it was a case of provincial jealousy. Mr Hanan was defeated by 40 votes to 11. HARVESTER TRUST LEGISLATION.

The Agricultural Implement Bill provides for tho compilation of a standard list giving the description of each implement, the nature and quality of the materials used in its construction, and the price current on the passing of the act. The implements to which the act relates are ploughs of all kinds over l^cwt, tine harrows, disc harrows, drills (combined grain, seed, and manure — 10 coulters), drills (grain), rollers (land and Cambridge, over 7cwt), cultivators and grubbers (over 2cwt), chaffeutters (9in mouth and over), self-bagging chaffeutters, and seed cleaners. It was evidently the intention of the Government originally to include binder twine, but this was struck out of the bill as presented to Parliament. Provision is made for an additional duty up to 40 per cent. Implements of British manufacture are oxcepted. There is little chance of ihe passing of the bill this session. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28. MINING BILL. The Mining Acts Amendment Bill passed through committee without material amendment*

BILLS PASSED.

On the Council resuming at 2.30 the following bilis were put through committee, read a third time, and passed: — Mining Acts Amendment, Horowhenua Block Amendment Act, Teachers' Superannuation Queensrown Reserves, Sentry Hill (New Plymouth) Railway, Horowhenua Lake, and Epuni Leases Surrender.

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

The New Zealand International Exhibition and Empowering Bill was put through committee, read a third time, and passed. CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION.

The Conciliation and Arbitration Act Amendment Bill was taken in committee.

Clause 15 (offence for any .union, association, or person either to strike or create a lookout, or take part in a strike or lockout, prepare, aid, or abet a strike or lockout, or a movement intended to produce a strike or lockout), the Hon. Mr RIGG moved to strike out the words "or prepare, aid. or abet a strike or lockout, or a movement intended to produce a strike or lockout/—L ost by 14 votes to B.— The clause was retained in the bill by 15 votes to 7, and the bill passed its final stages.

MORE BILLS PASSED.

The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Biill, Government Railways Act Amendment Bill, Public Works Compilation Bill passed all stages.

BILL PASSED.

The Railways Act Amendment Bill, a machinery measure, was brought down by Governor's Message and put through all stages.

SHOPS AND OFFICES BILL.

The Right Ron. Mr SEDDON moved that the report of the conference on the Shops and Offices Act Amendment Bill be agreed to Mr MASSEY said he considered the agreement arrived at by the conference was a great improvement on the bill _ as it left the House, and also on the existing law.

After a brief discussion Mr Seddon's motion was agreed to on the voices.

PUBLIC WORKS COMPILATION.

Tho Publio Works Acts Compilation Bill passed its final stages.

THE HARVESTER TRUST.

Mr SEDDON moved the second reading of the Agricultural Implement Manufacture, Importation, and Sale Bill, which is designed to deal with the Harvester Trust. He submitted it, he said, as a matter of urgency, and hoped the House would pass it. They did not want to take the risk of our industries being ruined before Parliament again met

Mr HARDING: Why did you not deal with it before.

Mr SEDDON went on to refer to tho imminent peril threatening some of our lasge.. industries, and declared that if those industries were crippled' it would be the most serious injury that- the agricultural interest had ever suffeied. He believed that if the farmers were consulted they would approve o&»the bill. If they did not they were not deserving of the help that had already been extended to them. The bill meant "really that a Board of Trade would be - appointed, and action would only be taken under the bill on the advice of that board. He defined the constitution of the proposed board, and declared that if it could be shown where it could be improved he would accept the suggestion. The Government, he added, would be very careful before it exercised the powers given by the bill.

Mr MASSEY urged that the bill should have been brought down earlier in the session, so that it could -have been considered with ca.re He had no fault to find with the New Zealand implement makers, but he did not believe that up to the present they had been subjected to unfair competition. Tho principle at stake was whether, the farmers of the country were to pay protective duty on the implements and machinery they tised, and he also pointed out X that under the terms of the bill the House was abrogating its right to deal with the tariff.

Mr Massey' s speech was interrupted by tho luncheon adjournment.

Mr MASSEY, continuing the debate on the second reading of the Agricultural Implement Manufacture Importation and Sale Bill on the House resuming at 2.30 p.m., expressed disapproval of the constitution of the proposed board, and urged that it should consist of the president of the Arbitration Court, Ihe president of the Farmers' Union, a representative of the Agricultural Associations, a representative of the manufacturers, and a representative of the workers.

Mr SEDDON said he would accept the proposal. Mr. HOGG expressed, strong disapproval «of the Bill, wHch he regarded as being unconstitutional and likely to injure, rather than . benefit, the workers. It took ■from the hands of Parliament, the control of the public purse. The bill was "Protection run amock."

SHOPS AND OFFICES BILL.

At 2. $5 the debate was adjourned to enable an amendment to be brought down by Governor's Message to the Shops and Offices Bill providing the wife of the occupier of a shop and the members of his family shall not bo deemed to be shop assistants, but that the members of the occupier's family must get a weekly halfholiday and must not work more than 52 hours a week. — This was agreed to. THE HARVESTER TRUST AGAIN.

Continuing the Agricultural Implement Bill debate, Mr BUDDO suggested that the board should make "inquiries^ and report within 10 days of the next "meeting of Parliament, so that if legislative action was found necessary it could be taken without delay. Mr LAURENSON considered the bill was a reasonable one, and should commend itself to any reasonable man ; as a matter of fact he would have liked to have seen the bill go further than it did. Mr DUTHIE saw no occasion for the bill as most of the implements mentioned in the schedule were imported from Great Britain.

Mr BUCHANAN said if taxation was to be imposed it should be done by the people's representatives, and not by the methods proposed in this bill. Mr TAYLOR said the bill did not pretend to solve the question. It was a com-pi-omise, but he was inclined to think it would prevent tho trust from setting up an organisation to ruin our industries. Mr R. M'KENZIE saw no necessity for such panic legislation, and moved a hostile amendment that the bill be read six months hence.

Mr KIRKBRIDE. in seconding the amendment took a similar view of the matter. In the course of a lengthy debate several members deprecated a bill of this kind being brought down at the end of the session. Mr HARDING declared he would use every form of the House to prevent the bill reaching the Statute Book. Mr M'Kenzie's amendment was rejected by 45 to 18, and the second reading carried on the voices. It was proposed to take the bill in committee immediately, but Mr R. M'KENZIE moved and Mr HARDING seconded, that the bill be committed three months hence. The debate was continued on Mr R. M'Kenzie's motion that the committal of the Agricultural Implement Manufacture Bill be taken three months hence. Eventually the committal of the bill was agreed to on the voices. THE HOROWHENUA BLOCK. The Horowhenua Block Bill was received from the Legislative Council, and read a first time on the casting vote of the SPEAKER, the "Ayes" being 29 and the "Noes' 1 29. The motion that the second reading of the bill be taken " presently " was negatived by 32 to 28. OLD-AGE PENSIONS. Two hour's were occupied with a discussion concerning the attitude of certain members on the Old-age Pensions Bill.

THE END OF THE SESSION.

In reply to a question. Mr SEDDON said he hoped to bring the session to a close on Monday afternoon. The Supplementary Estimatas would be brought down early on Monday. At 11.45 p.m. the House adjourned till 11 a.m. on Monday. DEATH OF MR ALFRED SAUNDERS.

Mr SEDDON stated that on meeting on Monday he intended to ask the House to adjourn till 2.30 p.m. as a mark of respect to the memory of the late Mr Alfred Saunders. who had been for very many years a member of the House and a colonist who had done good service for his country. Mr Seddon added that he deeply regretted Mr Saunders's death, and he was sure the House's warmest sympathies were with those who had been bereaved. THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

A high tribute to the excellent work done by Mr Massey as Leader of the Opposition was paid by Sir William Russell at a full meeting of the party which was held during tho supper adjournment last night. Sir William said that Mr Massey had rendered most invaluable services to the Opposition cause, both in and out of Parliament, during the time that he had been leader of the party. He also referred to tho increased interest in politics manifested throughout the colony and to the encouraging prospects of the Opposition in connection with the coming elections. Those gratifying evidences of an improved state^of political affairs were, he said, due in a large measure to the ability and industry displayed by MiMassey. Several other members of the, party endorsed the remarks of Sir William 1 Russell, and Mr Massey made an appropriate acknowledgment. PABULUM FOR MINISTERIAL CAN-.

DIDATES.

In the House of Representatives last evening Mr Hawkins asked the Minister of Justice — (1) Whether he has yet ascertained the printing office. In which the false and grossly misleading documents that were printed and published with the deliberate intention of injuring and misrepresenting members of this House, such documents having been printed without the imprint. (2) Does he think that the failure "to discover the aforesaid printers and publishers is creditable to his department or reflects credit upon the Police Force? (3) Does he know that the identity both of the printers and publishers of the aforesaid false documents is known to the man in the street? Mr M : Gowan said the papers were not printed at the Government Printing Office. He did not know what progress the police had made regarding the discovery of the printers '•Really," he added, ''there has been r.o breach of the law."— (Laughter.) Mr j Hawkins: That is too absurd to listen to. ! Mr M 'Go wan said the matter was under j consideration, and if a prosecution could take place he would have great pleasure in seeing that it did take place. Mr James Allen said ho understood part of the sheets had been printed by the New ; Zealand Times Office and part by the Government Printing Office. At all events, j that was the opinion he had obtained from , experts. Mr Hall-Jones assured Mr Allen j that none of the sheets were printed" atj the Government Office Several members.' notwithstanding the foregoing denial, still stoutly maintain that some of the sheets were -printed at the Government Printing] Office. i

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

The Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee of the House of Representatives, reporting on the flax industry, says: ''Communications wora sent by authority to all the Chambers of Commerce, Flaxmillers' Associations, and individuals known lo be interested in the flax industry in the colony inviting witnesses to appear and gi\e evidence on every phase of the industry. In response to this invitation 20 witnessos appeared before the committee, which sat eiglit days taking evidence. The committee is of opinion that the evidence given is most valuable, and must lie of great utility in guiding the Department of Agriculture in framing amended regulations to moot the requirements of the- industry, which is essentially national. The committee strongly recommends that the department be" authorised to take immediate steps to promote, by all available means, the cultivation of flax, the evidence having conclusively shown the necessity of such a course. The committee does not feel justified iv recommending that the export of inferior fibre should be prohibited. The committee specially approves of the statements made by the chief grader — viz., that tho department intends by amended regulations to reduce, the difference between the various grades of quality of dressed flax from 15 points to 7."

COLLECTION OF ROYALTIES.

A return ordered on tho motion of. Mr Alison was presented to-day showing the royalties collected on timber, flax, and coal in each land district during the rear ended March 31 last. The principal amounts collected in timber royalties were as follow:— Auckland, £30.973; Westland. £11,794 ; Southland. £3098 ; Nelson, £1951 ; Wellington, £1321. Tho leading totals for

flax were:— Auckland, £181; Southland, £175; Westland, £166. The coal royalties collected were as follow : Nelson, £141,263 ; Westland, £2113; Otago, £1352; Auckland, £499; Southland, £155; Canterbury, £100. NOXIOUS WEEDS A rough estimate of the cost of cutting noxious weeds on native and Crown lands and unoccupied reserves for one season is as follows:— Auckland, £131,000; Napier, £29,300; Wellington, £18,365; Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland, £33,500 ; Canterbury and Kaikbura. £680; Otago £800;— total, £213,645. THE FLAXBOUKNE ESTATE. A return presented to-day regarding the Flaxbourne settlement shows that the areaacquired was 45,673 acres; price paid, £181,675; charges other than roading, £2433; roading, £8000;— total, £211,108. The capital value of sections disposed of was £208,726; capital value of town sections nofc disposed of, £4440 ; value of reserves, j £3640;— total, £216,806; surplus, £5698. I METHYLATED SPIRITS BILL. The Extension ot Commerce Committee lo whom was referred' the Methylated Spirits Bill reported, after taking evidence, that whilst the qtiestion will require the careful attention of the Customs Department it has not been made clear that the •j passing of the bill this session is a matter;

of urgency. Regarding the point raised as to the npiritsf being used for adulterating articles for drinking purposes, the evidence does not disclose any : such tendenoy. ' -

SMART ELECnONE^RING TACTICS. Sir Joseph Ward's statement about -the increase in the wages of railway servants - was -made in the House I 'of -Representatives yesterday too late for ' publication in the local evening papeT. ■ Observing this, . Mr WilfoTd, the member for Hutt, secured a typewritten copy of Sir Joseph Ward's siatement and telephoned to the Railway .Workshops at Petone that a public meeting would be held that evening after 5 o'clock. Mr Wilford then got into motor car, drove hastily out to Petone, 'and shortly after 5 o'clock -mounted a fence and addressed a large gathering of workmen an the open air. He told, them the whole_. story, not' forgetting to mention that this was a question! he had been fighting in their interests for the last' three or four years. The -announcement was received with" great -enthusiasm; and * cheers were given for Sir Joseph, Ward, Mr Wilford, and Mr Seddon. ' This "concession" to Tailway employees, combined w^th -the very , large amount of money ,that .is being spent in connection with' the duplication .of the Hutt railway, will make' 1 'Wilford's. return at the general election^sin absolute certainty. .■' ■ , THE EDUCATION V BILL. yOn the Education Act Amendment Biir

Mr Thomas Mackenzie, ..with ~&^ view tqgiving country boys the same ,adya*ntage as is now extended^ -under ,^Education- Board scholarships, \ moved -a*- new -as f ol- 1 lows: — "With respect to,, free "places in^ secondary schools, the followmg provision shall apply: A pupil .shall -be qualified to * be the holder oil free place who— -'being not over 14 .years of age, if resident- in a city or a borough with a- population -of over 1500, or who being 15 years of age, if v resident elsewhere, on the 31st December preceding the date of .his* admission to a secondary school — has obtained a certificate of proficiency a,s defined by regulation under the principal ac_t."_ He called for a division on this, " which was lost. The .however, promised to provide regulations to meet in a measure what Mr 'Mackenzie urged. Mr Hogben, in reply to Mr Mackenzie's inquiries this morning, said that a regulation was drafted ?nd approved which provided among other things that the High Schools Boards would have power granted to them to pass candidates over the age of 14 years -under certain conditions, the number of such pupils not to exceed 10 per- cent. " of the total admitted.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

In criticising the Australian and New tealand Naval Defence Bill tin- Friday -the Hon. Mr Rigg took occasion to refer to the British Government as a " disreputable " Government. Being ruled out of order by the Speaker, he challenged the ruling. When the Legislative Council met on Saturday morning Mr Rigg moved — "That the Speaker's ruling was an infringement of^the pivileges of a member of the Council." In moving his motion Mr Rigg recalled an incident last year, when he was not permitted to refer to the Chinese labour in South Africa as J '#l&v<jrju"- TJjis .was ''he second time that

he had had to disagree with the Speaker's ruling. That ruling' would prevent "members from commenting in a hostile manner on the British Government. This was a serious question. There was no greater privilege than free speech, and if this was to be curtailed in our Legislature we might > expect the" country >to be subjected to a ! serious tyranny. He only hoped that what he had said that day would emphasise ihe necessity of free speech. The Hon. Mr ! Carncross 'seconded the motion, as_ he bej lieved that Mr Rigg was quite within bis rights. At the same time he disagreed entirely and absolutely with the views expressed by Mr Rigg. The Hon. Mr Pitt, while deprecating any attempt to interfere with free speech, argued that it was improper to refer to the Imperial Government in offensive terms. Mr Rigg should be permitted to criticise that Government to - "the fullest extent, but it should be criticised in respectful terms. The Hon. Sir H. J- Miller said that, whether the word was ' disrespectful or not, the Speaker's ruling should be obeyed. Mr Rigg then said he had not intended" -to call for a .division, but to let the motion go on the , voices. After the Attorney-general's attitude, however, he would insist on a divi.sion. The motion was lost by 21 votes to 3. ' MOISFDAT, OCTOBER 30. The TDarliamentary session dies hard. More bills were passed by both Houses on Monday, • including the Agricultural Implements Manufacture, Importation, and Sale, Factories Act Amendment, and the Civil Service Classification Bills. The Workers' Dwellings Act, passed a few days ago, -was found to require amendment, and so a bill with that object was put through all stages. The Supplementary Estimates were under consideration when the Telegraph Office closed at 2 o'clock on Tuesday morning. The Civil Service Classification Bill was amended in committee by inserting in clause 15 the words "-clerks and commissioned officers of Defence Forces." — An amendment to include "men"- also was lost. The bill was put through its final stages. The Agricultural Implement Manufacture Bill was put through committee without amendment, and passed its final stages. The Factories Act Amendment Bill and Ellesniore Drainage Bill passed their final stages. MARKET CABLEGRAMS. Sir J. G. WARD, in answer to Mr Vile, said the commercial cablegrams sent by the High Commissioner would be very much - extended. Arrangements had just iheen concluded in that direction, and fluctuations on the selling exchange of all •articles exported by the colony would be carefully watohed by experts and cabled to the colony. THE LATE MR ALFRED SATJNDERS. The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON moved thefollowing resolution: — "That this House desires to place on record its high sense of the distinguished services rendered New i Zealand by the late Mr Alfred Saunders, its appreciation of his valuable services as

member of the House of Representatives, and its recognition of his work as a public man in, Nelson and Canterbury, and as acontributor to the literature of the colony ; and tenders to the members of his family its heartfelt sympathy in their irreparable loss." Mr Seddon spoke at some length in terms of high praise of the unselfish and distinguished services of the late Mr Saunders. Mr LEWIS apologised for the unavoidable ■ absence of the Leader of the Opposition, and seconded the motion in his stead.

Appreciative reference to the deceased were made by Mr Buddo, Sir W. J. Steward, Sir J. G. Ward. Messrs Witty and Harding, the last-named expressing, on behalf of the temperance workers of the colony, their high appreciation of Mr Saunders's services in the cause of temperance. f The motion was agreed to, and at midday the House adjourned till 2.30 p.m. as a mark of respect to Mr Saunders"s memory.

TOURIST TRAFFIC

On, the House resuming at 2.30 p.m., a bill to provide for the administration and control of the tourist traffic and scenio reserves of the colony was introduced by Governor's Message. Mr MASSEY called for a division, as a protest against the introduction of a new bill at that stage of the session. The introduction of the bill was agreed to by 31 to 20, and the bill was read a first time on the ■voices.

Sir J. G. WARD then announced that he did not" propose to proceed with the bill this session. He had only introduced it for the purpose of having 'it circulated during the recess among persons interested.

Mr MASSEY asked when the Supplementary Estimates would make their appearance. There was. he added, a very great deal of dissatisfaction on both sides of the House at the delay that had taken place in bringing the session to a close.

Mr SEDDON said the Supplementary Estimates were now being printed," and would be brought down early that evening. He hoped to finish the work of the session that night. • . w

Mr MASSEY .observed that the statement of the Premier would help the business through.

CIVIL SERVICE CLASSIFICATION.

Sir J. G. WARD moved the second readnig of the Civil Service Classification Bill, which provides for the establishment of a 'board to formulate a scheme of classification for the civil service. That scheme had, he said, to be submitted to the House for approval next sessiou. Classification ofthe civil service was a very difficult matter, and he thought the scheme proposed was the best way to do it. He believed the proposal would be hailed with satisfaction by the departments affected. _ Mr MASSEY did not oppose the bill, and hoped the scheme would be snbmitisj? early next session.

Th© second reading was agreed to on the voices, and the bill was committed.

It was amended to provide, that it shall not apply to the Post and Telegraph and Railway Departments and members of the Defence Forces. Diy/Jii^ fujcthez discussion Sir. jE. &.

WARD said the effect of clause 15 ras that five years' unbroken service would entitle a person to come under the scheme.

Mr JAMES ALLEN said the result of that would be that entrance by examination would be done away with, and hundreds_ of temporary clerks could bo appointed and automatically become permanent at the end of five years.

Sir J. G. WARD declared that no such thing was contemplated.

A proposal by Sir W. J. STEWARD, that the provision in clause 15 with regard to five years' unbroken service should apply after, as well as before, the coming into operation of the scheme, was carried by 36 to 13.

The bill was reported with amendments.

On the motion for the third reading, several members protested against such an alteration in the position of temporary clerks being made at the end of the session. Against this view it was urged that after a man had been a temporary clerk for five years it was only right that he should be classified.

Mr BAUME moved as an amendment — " That the bill be recommitted for the purpose of reconsidering the amendment made in clause 15."

Eventually Sir J. G. WARD said he would have Sir W. J. Steward's amendment struck out in the Legislative Council if it was found it had the effect intended.

The recommittal was negatived by 33 to 24, and the bill was put through its final stages.

THE HARVESTER TRUST.

The Agricultural Implement Manufacture, Importation, and Sale Bill was taken in committee at 5.10 p.m.

Mr MASSEY wanted to know whether the Premier meant to go on with the bill. — Mr SEDDON said he understood the objection of the opponents of the measure was withdrawn, in part at anyrate. It was also suggested that a bonus should be offered to our manufactures if the board considered it necessary. If that was not accepted he would force on his bill.— Mr MASSEY said if the board considered the industry should be protected the proper thing would be for the Premier to call Parliament together. — Mr HOGG considered all that was necessary was Tor the board to report to Parliament next session on the operations of the trust.

At clause 5 the constitution of the board was altered and fixed as follows :—President of the Arbitration Court (who shall be chairman), president of the Farmers' union, president of the Industrial Association of Canterbury, a representative of the Trades and Labour Councils, and a representative of the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations.

At clause 7 the proposal that a duty may be imposed if New Zealand manufacturers reduce prices was struck out, and it was provided that, if necessary, relief be granted in a manner to be hereinafter stated. Clause 12 was amended to provide that the act shall continue in operation until Ist August, 1906.

The following new clauses in the Agricultural Implement Bill were brought Jown by Governor's Message and considered in committee :—

"7a. (1) In any case where the board recommends that relief be granted it o hall be laivful for the Conanaissiongr. to grant

to the manufacturers of implements in j>Jew Zealand such bonus, not exceeding 33 per centum, as he deems necessary to enable manufacturers to compete with importers of such implements. (2) The right to such bonus shall be subject to such terms pad conditions as the Governor-in-Council thinks fit to impose." " 9 A. (1) Whenever it is proved to the satisfaction of the collector that duty-paid materials have been used in the construction of any implement, he shall refund to"=the manufacturer of such implement the amount of duty -paid on the materials -•■o used. (2) For the purposes of this section ' materials ' includes parts of implements that cannot ad-qantageously be manufactured in New Zealand." These new, clauses were agreed to practically without amendment, and the bill was •put through its final steps on the voices. AMENDING ALREADY. A bill to amend " The Workers" Dwellings Act, 1905," was introduced by Governor's Message. It provides that the Polhill Gully and the forts reserves at Miramar, and - any other land reserved for defence purposes that is uot required for such purposes, shall be set apart for the erection of workers' dwellings, and amends, section 4 of the principal act by fixing the cost of erection of each dwelling at £350 if constructed of wood and £400 if constructed of brick. Mr SEDDON explained that there were 50 sections available at Polhill Gully and about 200 at Miramar, all of which were now lying idle and useless. The bill was put through all its stages in a few minutes, Mr SEDDON remarking that he hoped to have i;he first workers" dwellings begun at Polhill Gully in a few weeks.

SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES. The Supplementary Estimates wora brought down by Governor's Message. A NATIVE BILL. The Maori Land Claims Adjustment snd Laws Amendment BUI was read a second time on the voices without debate. The bill was put through committee anjj its final stages.

BILLS PASSED.

The Factories Act Amendment Bill (which fixes a minimum wage for factoryworkers up to 20 years of age) and tha Ellesmer-e Lands Drainage Bill wore put' through all their stages. At 10.30 p.m. the House went into Committee of Supply for consideration of

THE SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES. Mr y SEDDON stated that the Land Tenure Commission would not cost £10,000, of which £8000 was proposed to be voted on. the Supplementary Estimates. — Mr MASSEY urged that it was about £19,000 at least.— Mr SEDDON denied this, and declared that £10,000 would cover printing! and everything. It was well worth every penny— Mr MASSEY: "Not worth 10,000 farthings. In regard to the South African service-, Sir J. 5. WARD said it was intended to call for tenders for a direct sen-vice with South Africa and alternatively via Aus* tralia for refrigerating boats only. In regard to friendly societies and a complaint of delay, Mr SEDDON said Uiafc

if things did not improve there would be a change before long. On the subject of wireless telegraphy, Sir J. G. WARD said the Government had already had an offer, But it would require Australia to" co-operate and' pay half the costs. It would also require to instal the system on intercolonial boats. He intended to ■enter into communication with the Federal Government on the subject. The offer already made was for less than £20,000 for A complete service. The Estimates passed without alteration at 2.45. THE MEMBER FOR CLUTHA. During an interval in the formal proceedings Mr SEDDON referred to the fact that Mr J. W. Thomson, member for Clutha, was retiring from politics, and he moved that the House place on record its appreciation, of the long and faithful services rendered to the colony as V member of Parliament by Mr J. W. Thomson.

Mr MASSKTE" said members on tbe Opposition side.' of the House greatly appreciated the exceedingly kind references of the Premier to the" member for Clutha.

The 'motion was agreed to, and ordered to be placed on the records of the House.

APPROPRIATION BILL.

The Appropriation Bill was. brought down at 4- a.ms" . •' ~- In the course of- the debate" Messrs KAIHAU and; WI PERE protested against the loss of the Maori Land Claims Adjustment Bill.- \ - ' , r " - Mr~A.. L. D. FRASER also expressed regret that the bill had not' passed, declaring that in consequence thereof thousands of acres of ,land were locked up to both Maoris and Europeans. Mr SEDDON also said he felt that the Native members had good cause for complaint," and he would make the bill one of the first Government bills next session.

The Appropriation Bill passed its final stages on the voices. On the bill being 1 returned to the House after signature by the Governor Mr SEDDON' expressed gratification at the legislation of the session. 'He said, in reviewing what he termed one. of the most interesting and unique sessions in the history of the New Zealand Parliament, that, notwithstanding the serious drawback through a matter which occupied so much time, the laws passed were ol a more important and far-reaching character than, and also exceeded in bulk, those placed on the Statute Book in the expiring session of any Parliament he had known. Certainly they had passed & number of compiling and consolidating bills, but, apart altogether from that, members would realise later that they had no reason to regret the result of their labours so far as their enactments wore concerned. He referred particularly to the old-age pensions extension; the provision made for school, teachers, and the classification , of the civil service, mentioning particularly in the last" 1 ' respect that they had done what' had been attempted 20 years ago arid had since lain dormant." There were also the increased pay and lighter hours to the^ railway servants, in connection with which his colleague (Sir J. G. Ward) had been engaged long before the session began. All these had 'entailed increased •expenditure, and those benefited would feel satisfied that Parliament, had. done its duty by tfiem. Altogether, he believed that, compared with the results achieved by other expiring Parliaments, .the work of this one "would stand out in bold relief.

THE END.

Mr SEDDON and Mr BUCHANAN (on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition) paid a tribute to Mr Speaker for his work during 'the session.

Mr GUINNESS appropriately acknowledged the compliment.

Tie motion for the adjournment of the House was lost by 16 to 15. The Speaker left the chair, and the session finally closed at 8.17 a.m.

THE CIVIL SERVICE.

When the Legislative Council's amendments in the Civil Service^ Classification Bill were reported, Sir J. G. WARD expressed his willingness to amend the bill, so as to provide that the scheme shall be submitted to both Houses for approval, and that only temporary clerks appointed at the time of the coming into operation of the act shall come under the scheme. He also agreed with the Council's amendment that commissioned officers and clerks in the Defence Department shall come under the scheme, but desired to add that persons appointed after the passing of the act shall not come under the scheme.