N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2955, 2 November 1910, Page 36

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. EDUCATION BILL. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the secono. reading of the Education Act Amendment Biil passed by the House. He said he intended merely at this stage to brieliy explain its import, and have the bill referred to a select committee. When the report was received the whole measure ' could be niiiy discussed. He remarked in passing that tiie whole object was to secure for our democracy improved education. The second reading was agreed to, and the bill was referred to a select committee, consisting of the Hon. Messrs Garncrcss, Samuel, Sinclair, Baldey, T. Thompson, Loughnan, \Y. C. Smith, Barr, and tne mover. BILL-,. The Animals' Protection Bill and the River Boards Bill were read a third lime and pasted, and further progress made In committee with the 'Stone Quarries Biil. The House met at 2.30 p.m. THE DEFENCE BILL. Sir J. G. WARD moved that the amendments of the Legislative Council in the Defence Act Amendment Bill be ! agreed to. Mr T. E. TAYLOR took exception to the new clause (13a), providing for the recovery of fines for a breach of the regulations, which he held was equivalent to power to imprison for debt. He would divide the House on the motion with a view of getting the bill back into committee. Sub clause (b) provided that if a fine were not paid within seven days after the service of the order from the officer : commanding he may transmit a duplicate ot the order to a magistrate, who shall file the same and the order shall operate as if it were a judgment duly recovered in the Magistrate's Court in an action for debt, Mr RUSSELL and Mr M'LAREN agreed with the view taken by Mr Taylor Sir J. G. WARD, in replying to Mr Taylor, referred to the Auckland case in which Poppleton, a gunner, had been arrested for the non-payment of a fine imposed by his officer for non-attendance. Poppleton neither paid the fine nor appealed against it. Subsequently Poppleton spoke to his captain explaining his absence, and the latter advised him to pay the fine, which the officer would refund ; but Poppleton assumed a defiant position, and dared the captain to do his worst-.' The man had been sent to gaol, and, under the circumstances, deserved no sympathy. Mr JENNINGS related the case of a young man in Inglewood ' for a like offence,-having no money to pay the fine. The motion was then put and carried by 54 votes to 7. COMMERCIAL TRUSTS BILL. The House went into committee on the Commercial Trusts Bill. In replying to Mr Harries, Sir J. G. WARD refused to delay the coming into operation of the bill beyond January, 1911. One or two trusts were operating in New Zealand, and the sooner they were got out the better. He did not wish to load up the measure with limitations regarding profits, therefore he had inserted a qualification which was fair and reasonable. Mr LUKE suggested that the Prime Minister was putting himself into an impossible position. The Government for 20 years had safeguarded the rights and interests of workers, who had built up a combination which set up a standard of wages and conditions. The bill would stifle young industries and prevent their growth. He could not see how the agricultural implement industry could be protected by the bill. Mr T. E. TAYLOR said that enormous profits were obtained on sewing machines. A well-known make cost 34s to produce, but was retailed at £lO 10s. Equally enormous profits were made on agricultural implements. The PRIME MINISTER replied that he was quite prepared to consider the agricultural implement' industry if it could be shown that agricultural implements which were xtdmitted free were sold at ments which were detrimental to local manufacturers desiring to compete. The intention of the bill was to prevent combinations from entering into arrangements which were detrimental to leer.! producers and manufacturers, and, above all. the consumers. Mr HARDY and Mr BUXTON stated that they dealt in oils, and had never been boycotted by the Standard Oil Company, with which thev also dealt. Tne Hon..Mi' MILLAR, who had taken charge of the bill, replied that during the last few months kerosene had been \ sold in Australia at l£d per gallon less than in New Zealand. This was because ■ another company was competing with the j Standard Oil Company. This company j wanted to come to New Zealand. He had ' received evidence that if retailers bought oils from any company but the Standard I Oil Company the latter would not supply them if they wanted something not ob- j tamable from its rival. Clause 8. which provides that for the purposes of the act prices shall be deemed unreasonably high if they produce more , than a fair ami reasonable rate of profit, raised considerable discussion, members evincing a desire to know how it was possible to estimate what was an unreasonable profit. Sir J. G. WARD said the hill was chiefly intended to prevent combinations of outsiders who had representatives in the juominion from monopolising to the extent of preventing others from carry- j ing on the same line of business. In arriving at an estimate of an undue profit, the selling price would be taken } ilt-0 consideration, and the public would ,

be the best judges of what were abnormally high prices and would soon make it known when, these were being charged. Referring to the meat trusts, he said that if American comoines were to endeavour to control the meat trade of the Dominion legislation would have to be parsed to prevent this from being done, as it would mean the lowering of the price to the grower. He quoted agreements entered into between retail sellers' 01 kerosene and a wholesale importer, showing that the former were restricted' from buying from other companies, in consideration of a rebate. The bill was intended to prevent such practices. Mr BUCHANAN, in referring to the' remarks of members on the meat industry, said that so far as his knowledge extended, farmers were free to kill and freeze for themselves. As a director of" a freezing company, he did not object to provision being inserted in the bill preventing a monopoly in this industry. In most cases the farmers were represented on tne meat freezing companies; indeed, they often owned the frezing works. Mr MASSEY said he failed to see. that the bill would attain its object—the prevention of monopolies. Many monopolies were not included in the schedule of the bill. In regard to" oil.; and sugar, he said there was nothing to prevent companies from importing tnese articles, which were, duty free, it was true that there was a system of rebates, but the position resolved itself into this: that the oil and sugar companies at' present doing business in the Dominion were selling so cheaply that other concerns could not compete with them. There was no provision in the bill for setting, the penal clauses of the law in operation, .hough clause 11 provided for recovery of a penalty. Sir J. G. WARD replied that the recovery of a sum over a certain amount must be brought by civil action in the Supreme Court. Tnis could be done by any person under the bill. The agents of -otner companies had endeavoured to do business in the Dominion, but found this impossible for reasons not connected with the price. There was an absence of freetrade in certain articles. The problem of preventing monopoly was an exceedingly difficult one. The Opposition evi-. dently was opposed to anti-trust legislation. Mr WITTY asserted that the flourmillers in Canterbury brought up the wheat supply and raised the price of wheat, and in other—ways manipulated the market for their own profit. Mr HARDY denied that the flourmillers and merchants attempted to corner wheat. The farmers were well enough' off to hold theiv grain till they got fair_ prices. Mr HERRIES expressed the opinion that there ought to be legislation to prevent the lowering of prices by any company with a view of killing rival cernsSir J. G. WARD said he did not care how low prices went as the result of competition. The clause was passed. Mr PEARCE moved to add beer in the schedule of the bill. Sir J. G. WARD said he desired to see a bill a sensible one. The proper place to deal with this question was in a Liquor Bill. Mr POOLE supported the amendment. On a division the amendment was lost by 40 votes to 22, and the bill was reported unamended. SECRET COMMISSIONS. The House then went into committee on the Secret Commissions Bill.'' which was passed through committee without amendment. POST AND TELEGRAPH BILL. The Post and Telegraph Act Amendment Bill was taken in committee. Sir J. G. WARD moved to add a new clause, giving the Governor power to take and retain possession of telegraph stations in times of war or danger of war, was inserted. He explained that the clause was intended to apply to privately-owned cable stations. The clause was agreed to. A number of machinery amendments were inserted, and the bill was reported. THE LAND AND INCOME TAX. The Land and Income Tax Bill was committed. Mr MASSEY expressed surprise at the introduction of the bill, seeing that the Dominion's; finances were buoyant and that the period of depression had passed, and the Treasurer expected a surplus. It was impossible to impose taxation on the professional or mercantile classes without having the taxes passed on to the consumer. This was human nature and the \ law of political economy, from which there was no escape. He moved that the following words be added to clause 1 : —■ " And shall come into operation on the repeal of the surtax provided for by 'The Customs Duties Amendment Act, 1909.' " Sir J. G. WARD said the passing of the amendment would mean that the taxation would be deferred for a year. He had reason to believe that the classes upon which the taxation was imposed did not object to the graduated income tax. Mr MASSEY said he would alter his amendment so as to narrow it down to the new proposals in respect of the graduated income tax. Mr T. E. TAYLOR said he would move on the third reading that it H* read this dav six months. That was his feeling in regard to the bill. Mr Massey'a amendment did not go far enough. He preferred borrowing more money rather than increasing taxation. The State had no. right to raise the cost of public works out of taxation without applying a betterment tax. Ke held that every man earning 20s had a right to spend it. less absolutely necessary charges for public services. After further discussion, the motion as altered was negatived by 43 votes to 27. At dause 2 an amendment by Mr PEARCE }a exempt assessments under

£3OOO from the land tax was defeated by Wl votes to 23. hfmx HERRIES moved that the class rn respect of which 8d in the 'pound is payable (£6OO to £700) be increased from £6OO to £BOO, but this was rejected by 45 votes to 23. s"&ir WILLIAM STEWARD moved that inooTne tax payers be allowed an exemption of £26 for every member of Ibis family wholly dependent on him for s§|6ant<enance. ':? €)n a division the amendment was lost jpy 34 votes to 32. /'■gMr MASSEY moved a new clause to the' effect that section 11 of the Land sl-nd Income Tax Assessment Act should iiot apply to a financial, commercial, or ihdtisfcnal institution which holds land for the purposes of its business. Thjs was lost-by 44 votes to 19, and the ibill was reported. LOCAL BODIES' LOANS. -The Local Bodies' Loans Act Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor's Message, and was read a first time. The House rose at 2 a.m. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved ihe second reading of the Justices of the Peace Act Amendment Bill, which provides that, where any person who is imprisoned for the non-payment of a fine or in respect of default of sufficient distress to satisfy such fine pays any sum in part satisfaction of the fine and of any costs and charges for which he is liable, the term of his imprisonment shall be reduced in proportion to the amount paid. The bill was Tead a second time. THE STONE QUARRIES BILL. ,Tbe Stone Quarries Bill was further considered in committee, and progress was again reported. The Council then rose. The House met at 2.30 p.m. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. .-In replying to questions generally, Ministers stated it was intended to have " The fagee Protection and Contractors Liens «:<&, 1908," revised iduring the recess with a view to removing anomalies and inconsistencies from the same. In replying to Mr Davey, the Hon. R. M'KENZIE dealt with the complaints made by Mt H. A. Campbell relative to conditions of labour on the Cass section bf the Midland Tailway, giving a general denial to the statements that the men were underpaid, badly accommodated, and that favouritism or discrimination was shown. TARANAKI RESERVES. The Lands Committee reported on the Taranaki Reserves Bill, which was set idown for the second reading. Several members drew attention to the splendid endowment set asMe by the people of Taranaki for the purposes of higher education, but which so far had not been utilised for that purpose. COMMERCIAL TRUSTS BILL. In the evening Sir J. G. WARD moved the third readng of the Commercial Trusts Bill. . In replying to Mr Hemes, the PRIME MINISTER said that the American meat trusts might endeavour to get a footing in the Dominion, and compel the existing companies to join them. In that case, it might be necessary for the State to take drastic action even to the extent of opening retail shops. At Home under the present system it was not possible for the buyers to combine. The bill was read a third time and passed. OTHER BILLS PASSED. The following bills were read a third 1 . time and passed : —Secret Commissions and Post and Telegraph Art Amendment. LAND AND INCOME TAX. Sir J. G. WARD moved that amendments made in committee to the Lund and Incom-e Tax Bill be agreed to. Mr MASSEY said he was dead against the bill, although he thoroughly believed in a graduated income tax. ',He saw no reason for increasing the burdens of the people approximately by £IOO.OOO per annum, seeing that the Dominion's finances were buoyant according to recognised financial authorities. The Prime Minister should have rather introduced proposals to lower taxation than to increase it. A readjustment of taxation was necessary so that the actual revenue required would be raised, and no more. He contended that, as the graduated tax had been instituted in order to compel the subdivision of land, it ought not. to apply to companies holding land for the purposes of their business only. The tax ..was operating unfairly on these companies. He would vote against the bill. Sir J. G. WARD defended the Government's taxation measure of last year, the object of which was to raise the funds necessary for defence. In the Financial Statement last year he had foreshadowed the taxation provided for in the bill. It was useless for Mr Massey to quote financial authorities when the Dominion had adopted a system of setting aside portion of the surplus revenue for public works, so as to avoid borrowing. Several members had been asking for railways for their (districts, yet were prepared to vote against a measure which would increase the Consolidated Fund and provide revenue for public works. There was an .fextraordinary desire on the part of the to prevent people having incomes of over £7OO from contributing Jheir share towards the expense of defence. It was ridiculous to cavil at ihe proposed taxation, and equally absurd to say that the taxation would be •passed on. * How was it possible for an to spread Is Yd per annum <over a million people? Mr Massey's jthjeorising, based on financial authorities ~=3of past ages, would not satisfy men in back-blocks. The Government asked

the country to borrow one and three- I quarter millions for public works, and to j supplement that by a large sum from ' the consolidated revenue. The motion was agreed to. Sir J. G. WARD then moved the third reading of the bill. Mr T. E. TAYLOR moved an amend- . -ment to the effect that, in view of the . • large surpluses accruing this year, pro- ■ ving that the ' Dominion's finances are in a buoyant condition, the people have a right to spend their incomes as they think fit after paying the taxes necessary , for Government, and that the bill exempts incomes over £2OOO a year from taxation, and that the known surpluses . i would justify a reduction in taxation, the House, while approving of the principle of a graduated income tax, is of opinion that the bill should be read this day six months. He protested against taxing a man having a high salary, which • amounted to class taxation. If the local bodies imposed rating in the same manner as the Government raised its taxes there would be a revolution throughout New Zealand. Taxes should be imposed only to meet the needs of the State. All the moneys raised by way of loan 3 since 1891 "were a present to the landowners, whose lands had been improved by means of the expenditure of these loans. Tire financial system was neither sound nor democratic; it was a patchwork system. It would never be sound while money was taken from the people and utilised to inI crease the value of landed properties, ! whose owners reaoed the benefit thereof. | Mr WRIGHT" seconded the amend I ment. Mr LAURENSON said , that surpluses ; were subject to a continual and never- • ending demand for public works. ProI perly speaking, there were no surpluses. I If by raising the taxation proposed by the bill the Dominion could reduce its I borrowing the country would be conferring a benefit upon posterity. The Dominion was sending out two millions yearly by way of interest. He would have thought i that the bill would have commended ■ itself to a Radical like Mr Taylor. tax would not act oppressively on those , with large incomes, nor did it put extra i burdens on those earning less than £BOO. | On the amendment being put it was j rejected by 53 votes to 12. Mr MASSEY replied" to the speeches of Sir J. G. Ward, Messrs Taylor, and Laurenson, and recapitulated his reasons for opposing the bill. The discussion was continued by Sir Wm. Steward and Messrs Herdman, Hogg, and Fraser. Sir J. G. WARD, in replying, said he could not understand the opposition to the bill, which would effect an enormous saving of interest. The bill was read a third time and i passed. .. | CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. | The third reading of the Contagious ! Diseases Act Repeal Bill was moved! by j j Sir J. G. WARD. \ Mr ALLEN said it was much to be • regretted that a measure dealing with a I ] crying social evil had not been introduced ' i this session. i Dr TE RANG! HIROA gave an account I j of the effects of venereal diseases, which : ! caused insanity, nervous disease, general ' paralysis, etc. Tn women a large per- : centage of sterility was due to syphilis. Contagious diseases introduced by Euro--1 peans had had a disastrous effect on the Native race. Sir J. G. WARD said he would next session set up a committee of both Houses | to inquire into the new bill to be introduced. 1 The hill was parsed. The House rose at 0.55 a.m. UREWERA LAND PURCHASES. I Questioned a 6 to what area of Urewera, | j land has been purchased by the Govern- I j ment, the Hon. A. T. Ngata informed me ! that the total area during the past month I I ■ was from 15,000 to 18.000 acres, and the j total purchase money would amount to about £21,000. Mr Ngata states that , , the balance of Urevera lands at present ' under offer was about 30.000 acres. As a ' matte'- of fact, no Urewera lands had . 1 been bought at all during the past two or j ; three weeks, for the.reason that the land ' ; purchase officer had been in Wellington. | | OPENING HAURAKI PLAINS. , As a result of the drainage operations in . , the Piako Swamp an area of 6000 or 7000 \ I acres will be thrown open for settlement i j in January next, and a further area in ! .'■ April. This land extends from Kerepehi j to nearly opposite Pipiroa, and lies be- j i tween the Piako and Thames Rivers. It ! ,j is excellent dairying country. It will be i , ; cut up into blocks of 100 acres or a little ! ! over, and offered on the optional tenure A BOTANIST'S MISSION Mr Petrie, late chief inspector under i j the Auckland Education Board, has i volunteered his services for the collect- j | ing of the more valuable native grass : seeds, and will shortly go through Central , I Otago. He will receive no salary, the j offer being a voluntary one on Mr Petrie's part to the Agricultural Department. PUBLIC WORKS' ESTIMATES. A question was put by Mr Massey in i the House to-day as to when the Public I I Works Statement would be brought down. ' I He reminded the House that it had been ! ' j informed that whenever the Consolidated | I Estimates were disposed of the Public j j Works Estimates would be brought down. ■ j The Hon. R. M'Kenzie (Minister of • I Public Works) pointed out that the Coni solidated Estimates were only put I through on Saturday. The Public Works Estimates were now in course of preparaI tion, and would be finished before the • ordinary business of the next month was I put through. As soon as the business of the country was sufficiently advanced the Estimates would be brought down. " Such a reply as I would have expected from the hon. gentleman," commented Mr ! Massey. -^ 1 " Such a question as I would have expected from the hon. genthjman," retorted Sir Joseph Ward. THE DAIRY INDUSTRY. ~. Ms Massey to-(jLay intrpduced to the •

I Prime Minister Mr Grant Campbell, of ! Auckland, who represented a number of dairy companies, and asked that the Go I vernment should re-enact the Dairy In- ' dustry Act. The Prime Minister replied th'at the matter would receive favourable | consideration before the present session came to an end. I JOTTINGS. I The Agricultural Journal is meeting with fair success, and lias 2200 subscribers. The Government's poultry farms are showing a profit. The Burnham Farm made a profit of £74 19s, and the other a profit of £127. The Agricultural Department is going to establish depots in Taranaki for working up dairy farmers' butter, so that it 6hall not contain too much moisture. The prospects of the export fruit trade are considered by the Minister of Agriculture to be good. The Government is going to consider the question of giving a bonus for future shipments. Lads taken on at the State farms to ' be trained in farm work receive 2s 6d I a week to begin with Some are now ; getting 30s a week. | COLONEL PORTER'S PETITIONS. The M .to Z Petitions Committee : recommends that Colonel Porter's petition for payment of moneys due to his son, the late Lieutenant R. H. Porter, for services in the South African war, bo referred to the Government for consideration. In regard to Colonel Porter's petition that he be granted a superannuation allowance under the act of 1908, the committee recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration in consideration of the valuable services he has rendered to the Dominion. RACEHORSE TRAINERS. The M to Z Petitions Committee today reported on the petitions from trainers of racehorses that their positions should be taken into consideration when dealing with the Gaming Bill. The committee recommended that the petitions be referred to the special committee which is now considering the Gaming Bill. LOST IN THE FIRE: The Minister of Public Works states that a careful search has been made by means of excavations for documents and historical records alleged to have been buried under the ruins in what were formerly the cellars of the Old Parliament Buildings, but no documents of any value have been found under the ruins. KAURI GUM INDUSTRY. A number of amendments have been made by the Lands Committee in the Kauri Gum Industry Bill, which has now been reported. New clauses have been added to the following effect: —No person shall bo entitled to a special license unless he satisfies the Commissioner that he is a British subject by birth or naturalisation in New Zealand. A special license) may be limited in its operations to any one or more kauri gum reserves specified in the license, preference being given to persons residing in the country in which the reserves are situated. Residence sites may be extended and leased if the licensee has resided on them for one year. The provision in the original act which allows a member of the settlement specified in the Order-in-Council creating the reserve, or a Native residing in the vicinity of such settlement, to dig for gum is repealed. No person shall be entitled to an ordinary license unless he had resided in New Zealand for 12 months (the original act says three) or is a British subject by birth or naturalisation in New Zealand. The fee for an ordinary license is raised from £1 per annum to £2. The rights of licensees are made to apply to kauri gum reserves. The Governor may make regulations for the grading of kauri gum. PROVINCIAL RAILWAYS. During the present session 52 petitions containing an aggregate of nearly 6000 names have been presented praying for the speedy construction of important railways in Auckland province. These the Petitions Committees have referred to the Government for consideration. OREPUKI SHALE WORKS. Mr J. C. Thomson brought the matter of Mr Bell's report and statements contained therein in regard to the Orepuki I shale works under the notice of the Minister of Mines. The Minister, in replying to the question, said : I am not aware of any dissatisfaction having been expressed with regard to certain statements contained in the report of the Government Geologist respecting the Orepuki shale works, nor am 1 aware on what authority it was stated in tho Orepuki. Advocate that Dr Bell's report was based on insufficient data. It is not surprising that the works, after having been closed down for about eight years, should show indications of decay. The allegation that the sand which was assayed for platinum was not Orepuki sand, but was obtained from the Waiau, is incorrect, as Dr Bell informs the department that he obtained these samples of sand himself at Orepuki. Some samples of sand from Waiau which were given to Dr Bell by a local miner were assayed at the same time. The department is fully aware of the satisfactory results of the boring with the diamond drill in the Orepuki coal and shale fields, and is also alive to the commercial value of this area. SAWYERS' BAY POST OFFICE. Mr Clark asked the Postmaster-general whether he would arrange that the residents of Sawyers' Bay within a half mile radius of the post office should have a delivery of letters daily? The reply was that inquiry was being made. POSSIBLE ENACTMENT'S. The Government has promised to consider a request by Mr Jennings that the Police Offences Act should be amended ' 60, tjnat it shall not be m fltfeJwe if

damage is done when settlers in any district by a majority decide on having a uniform date for burning off portions of their bush. The Prime Minister will, during the recess, inquire into the advisableness of introducing legislation to insist upon the various banks doing business in New Zealand placing their various guarantee and provident funds upon a more equitable basis. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. Care will be taken before the swimming grant is paid over this year that the system of allocation is approved. The Public Holidays Bill will probably be introduced this week. The Government has received a reporton the Stoney Creek (Canterbury) Estate from the Land Purchase Board, and the matter is now under consideration. The question of placing small grazing runs on the same basis of value for rating purposes as adjoining freehold or Crown leasehold land is one of considerable difficulty, especially in mining districts, but the matter is now engaging the attention of the Government. It is not considered desirable to undertake the training of young men at Moumahaki until further experience has been acquired in connection with similar work at the Rnakura experimental farm. MOTOR ENGINES. Sir W. J. Steward asked the Minister of Railways whether, with a view to providing increased facilities for passenger traffic on branch railways on which it would not pay to run additonal passenger trains, he would try the experiment of running motor engines with a passenger carriage or carriages attached, and if the foregoing be answered in the affirmative would he direct that a motor service on the Oamaru-Kurow line be one of the first of such services established. In reply, Mr Millar said : I have already made arrangements to obtain some motor cars for the purpose of making experiments as to their suitability for the requirements of the- New Zealand railways. The cars will be placed in service as quickly as possible after coming to hand. So far, however, as the request to establish them on the Kurow branch is concerned, I regret that I cannot see my way to comply with it. The first experiment will be made on those lines which will best test the utility of the cars and enable the department to obtain reliable data from the financial point of view. After this is done the question of further extending the use of the cars to other branches of our railway system will be considered. ESTATES OFFERED TO THE GOVERNMENT. Sir Wm. Steward is interesting himself in the closer settlement of two estates that have been offered to the Government in his district. Sir Joseph Ward to-day informed him that the Government had received a report on the Stoney Creek Estate from the Land Purchase Board, and the matter was now under consideration. In regard to an offer of the Serpentine Valley portion of the Waihao Downs Estate' for closer settlement, Sir Joseph states that it would be considered in due course. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. • MR HINE'S CHARGES. The committee on privilege set up to consider the charge made against the Hon. Mr Macdonald by a member of the House brought up its Teport, which recommended that a message be sent to the House of Representatives; respectfully pointing out that the charge made by the member for Stratford against the Hon. Mr Macdonald involved a. breach of the privileges of the Council. The motion to agree with the report was carried without discussion. The Hon. Dr FINDLAY was about to move a second motion when the Hon. Mr MACDONALD suggested that a committee should be ■ ;et up at-the earliest possible moment to fully investigate the charges made against him by the member for Stratford. The Hon. Dr FINDLAY said that, as he felt sim' that this would be done, he would defer what ho had: to say upon the matter until the report of the committee was brought down. On the motion of the ATTORNEYGENERAL a committee of investigation was set up. consisting of the Hon. Messrs Ri.ug, T. Thompson. Jenkinson, Callan, Sinclair, Tucker, Samuel, Luke, and the mover. BILLS. The Justices of tho Peace Amendment Bill and Stone Quarries Bill were reported from committee, and the Land Settlement Finance Bill read a second time pro forma. The House met at 2.30 p.m. A good deal of formal business was transacted. The Taranaki's Scholarships and Opium Act Amendment Bills were read a second time. The Inspection of Machinery Bill was reported from committee. The Harbours Act Amendment Bill was under consideration in committee. progress being eventually reported. LOCAL BODIES' LOANS. The Prime Minister has introduced a bill to amend " The Local Bodies Loans Act, 1908," in the direction of ensuring the completion under the former conditions of Government loans to local bodies in case's where the advances were granted before the passing of the State Guaranteed Advances Act. PRIME MINISTER AND ELECTIONERING. According to Mr Wright the efforts of the Prime Minister on behalf of Government candidates at the last general election were not attended with brilliant success. Mr Wright stated in the House this evening that everywhere the Prime Minister spoke his man was defeated. He spoke at Palmerston North, and his mAa in the^^Yjurarajoay

y whilst in Wellington every one of his men went down. The coming general election would be contested with more ear nestness and zeal than had previously i i been known in New Zealand. The Government knew that this was going to i be the case, and it was going to fight exceedingly hard-to maintain its position. Some people did not think that they would be successful. Ail the money that the Government could bring to its aid would be used to assist it. ".That is why you".vote against it,-* commented Sir Joseph Ward. Mr Wright : No, you can't spend much money in my district. It takes me all my time to get increased accommodation at the school. DEFINITION OF A SURPLUS. " For over 20 years there has never been a surplus in this country." Coming as it did from a prominent member of the Government side (Mr Laurenson), this l remark occasioned a good deal of com- . ■ ment in the House to-night. Mr Laurenson went on to say that when New Zea- ' land could meet not only its ordinarj expenditure, but, in addition, the costs of public works, and then have a balance over, that would be what he would call a surplus. Mr Massey referred to the remark as one of the most extraordinary statements among statements of the kind which Me • Laurenson had made in Parliament. Did I I the Prime Minister hold a similar view?;' What had he got to say on the matter S£ " I pause for the reply," added Mr Massey, who concluded by stating tha# he was sure that members generally would in face of Mr Laurenson's statement be anxious to learn the opinion of the Prime Minister on the subject.. The petition" of Francis Geddes, of Waihao Downs, praying for a refund of a fine imoosed through an infringement of the Stamp Duty Act has been referred to the Government for favourable consideration. SURVEY CERTIFICATES. Referring to a question asked a few, days ago by Mr Poole, the Minister of r Marine to-day informed the House thab' ' he had received intimation that in future • New Zealand survey certificates would l.e ' recognised in the United States. j NATIVE LEASES. Many of the Native leases in Taranaki» and Manawatu, granted in 1881, will fall', in shortly, and the European leaseholders are anxious to obtain an amendment to the law to bring the lands under the 1 operation of the act of 1892. This act gives a tenant a perpetual right of re«' newal with revaluation every 21 years, f. The act of 1881 provides that at the end of 21 years the leases (which are at pre-/ sent administered by the Public Trustee)"' [ shall be put up to auction and disposed of - j to the highest bidder, the improvements of the outgoing tenant being limited to £5 [ per acre. A large number of Natives 1 interested in the leases have come to Wei-J j lington to ask that they will be given a chance of securing the working of at least some of their lands. They fear that they will be kept out of possession foi A BENEFIT TO HIMSELF. There was an interesting passage between Mr Hemes and the Hon. T. Mac-i' kenzie (Minister of Agriculture) this after, noon. .Mr Hemes had been referring to the unwholesorneness of the atmosphere of the , present Chamber. j ''lt is much more wholesome than the , old House," interjected the Hon. Mr Maci kenzie. j Mr Herrics: The C'!d House had a i system of microbes we had got accus' ; tomed to and- to which the lion, member i was accustomed. When the new House , was entered into the microbes in the hon. ! gentleman's brain suddenly seemed td ■ change. i The Hon. T. Mackenzie : That is a benefit-. I. Mr Henies: It is to himself. The House understood the allusion and smiled. ; THE GAMING BILL. The time given to the Special Committee j set up to consider the Gaining Bill expired to-day. On the request of the chairj man (Mr G. Laurenson) the committee was granted an extension of time of a week. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. THE WATER POWER BILL. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Aid to Water Power Works Bill, received from the House. The Minister explained in detail the objects of the bill as already published. The Hon. Mr MILLS spoke in support of the measure. The Hon. Mr JENKINSON spoke strongly against the proposals. The supply of cheap water was, on an average, quite an unimportant factor in the success of any industry. A very small proportion of manufactures was represented by the cost of the power, and if the power could be delivered absolutely free of charge to all industries it was doubtful if it would make a differ' * enoe of 10 per cent, to the average cosl of manufactured articles. The present cost of steam power could be almost wiped out by using gas or oil engines, and it was with these that the proposed scheme would have to compete. He had the greatest doubt if the proposals could make any great difference to outf industrial development. He maintained that cheap freights were the main factor in all industries. He viewed with alarm the absurd proposals to electrify the railways, which, inquiry would show, could only result in increased charges. He proceeded to criticise, the scheme at great length, and entered into a minute analysis of the, Lake Coleridge scheme. The technical, information on the proposed scheme was; practically nil, and he believed that electricity tfriuld ba more cheaply raised: by producer-gas engines or by a steam/ "" ' ~*~"~ ' ~- " ■ —-

using powdered fuel. It did- seem unwise, after we had got fairly established as a coal mining concern, to start in vigorous opposition to coal-burning. The objectionable feature of the "waterpower proposals was that 50 per cent, of the charges would consist of interest and depreciation, forwarded to England. With coal power a much larger proportion would be spent in New Zealand in wages and fuel. Slack coal suitable for powdered fuel was wasted at all our mines, and could be obtained practically for the asking; but, assuming that it would cost 5s a ton, fuel would cost less' than id per unit. With a Dowson gas-producer using any suitable bituminous coal electricity should be developed ; at a cost of 5s *4d per unit in 2000 ; ' horse-power sizes.. When a market had hen established it would be time enough to pat in the most costly plant, when a prodacer-gas plant could be shifted further out or used as a stand-by to take • care of peak loads. He hoped the I Government would have the whole I matter referred to a board of expert : engineers for consideration. The Governj ment should pause before entering on en I scheme which would put back industry for a considerable time. -The Hon. Mr WIGRAM said the engineering problems to be solved were very simple, and it was unnecessary to send abroad for expert advice- He pointed I out tba-fc the estimated cost of the Lake I Coleridge scheme was considerably below that quoted by the previous speaker. The Government had a demand for 67.000 horse power in sight immediately I the instalment was completed. There were many reasons why the Government - should concentrate its energies on one ; scheme for a beginning, and he hoped a start would be made at Lake Coleridge. The debate was adjourned, and the I Council adjourned till 9 a.m. tomorrow to pass an Impress Supply Bill. The House met at 2.30 p.m. MILK SUPPLY. In replying to Mr Davey, who asked Ewhat had been the result of the GovernI ment's inquiry into the death of a young girl at Christchureh. supposed to be due I to" drinking milk from a tuberculous cow. Sir J. G. WARD said the Public Health Department had made inquiry into the I matter and a report would be available soon. The Hon. T. MACKENZIE said a I veterinary inspector had tested every cow Etn the suspected district, and not one "had to be suffering in any j way from tuberculosis. He also referred to what had been said in' another place the milk supply of Wellington. •-Nothing like the extent of disease-pre-I vailed that had been alleged by a member lof the Upper House. Out of 92S cows I examined and 131 tested, only 34 re'yactedi Far too serious a view had been I taken. *bf the matter. Mr MacPherson, dairy, inspector, of Christchureh, had done his work so well that he (the Minister) \had had many applications to nave him removed. That was an indication of what I men who did their duty were subjected to. Mr MacPherson was till in ChristRhurch, but in another department. Mr RUSSELL described Dr Symes. who had alleged that a tuberculous cow 'had caused the death of a young girl, as a sensation-monger. His statements had been completely discredited by scientific tests carried out by the Government. This ought to be a warning to Dr Symes to be more careful in future and not to ' make rash remarks for political reasons. Mr HARDY spoke of Dr Symes in terms of high praise. The latter took -a very keen interest in the welfare of the people. Mr WITTY said~he was glad that the imputations against the dairymen of . Christchureh had been removed. No one should make such a statement as that made by Dr Symes without being sure of . his facts. Mr T. E. TAYLOR, while agreeing that Mr Davey deserved credit for bringing the matter under the notice of the "Government, deprecated Mr Russell's i attack on Dr Symes. who had done good I 'service by drawing attention to the need j for improving the milk supply of the Dominion. IMPREST SUPPLY BILL. The House went into committee on the -Imprest Supply Bill, which was passed after some discussion. BILLS PASSED. I The Kaiapoi Reserves. Opium Act Amendment, and Inspection Machinery Bills passed their final stages. The House rose at 11 p.m. SATURDAY. OCTOBER 29. I Only the other day a private lending institution lent a large sum to a local body at par at 4 per cent, without charges and the interest to be pnid only as the money was used. In stating this to the House on the 28th, Sir Joseph Ward said that if it had not been for the existence; of the State Lending Department no such offer would have been made. PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. There is as yet no definite information as to when the Public Works Statement will be brought clown. It is known, however, that the estimates for public works expenditure have been made out, though they have not yet been printed nor finally discussed by the Cabinet. The statement, however, cannot be very long delayed. THE GAMING BILL. The anti-gamblers still took on the Gaming Bill with a good deal of suspicion, especially as it was now generally recognised that it does not make bookmaking illegal on courses in connection with which there are no totalisator permits. It is expected that the bill will pass with amendments, but' at this late stage of the session there can be no certainty about it. The fate of the measure will depend largely upon the tactics of the Government. THE LAND BILL. M is anticipated that the Land Bill

| will not go beyond the second rifading j stage. It is far too contentious a measure j to be got through so late in the session. , No one will grieve very much when it I is dropped. AD VALOREM DUTIES. When an Imprest Supply BiiJ wais being considered in committee on October 28 Mr Maissey drew attention to a complaint which was being made by some importers at Auckland that they were being overcharged in the matter of the collection of the ad valorem duties. The act provided that the ad valorem duty should be understood to be the fair market value of the goods for home consumption, together with the cost of casing, etc. What was being complained of wae this : Some merchants bought direct from the wholesale firms in other countries. The difficulty, however, came in where the importers did their business through agents. Then an attempt was being made by the Customs officials to make the commission which was paid to. the agent part of the value on which duty was charged. If the importers strenuously objected, the matter, he understood, was not pressed, but if they were weak it was collected. There should, he contended, be a board of appeal, as was the case in other countries. The Hon. T. Mackenzie said that the matter had not previously been brought under his notice. He would be only too glad to look into the point. It ouglit to be the duty of the Customs officers not to do' anything that would harass the importers or strain the spirit of the act. —("" HeaT. hear.") - JOTTINGS. an Order-in-Council, dated October 24. there is now a reciprocal application of the New Zealand Workers Compensation Act to the Old Country, Queensland, and Western Australia. Formerly the relatives of a worker who was killed while at work in New Zealand were barred from claiming compensation for his death by their residence outside New Zealand. Some cases of real hardship were brought to light where the workers killed had regularly remitted money to mothers or other dependents. MONDAY, OCTOBER 31. The House met at 2.30 p.m. NEW BILLS. The following bills were r-zad first time :—Shipping and Seamen Act Amendment (Hon. J. A. Millar), Noxious Weeds Act Amendment (Hon. T. Mackenzie). BILLS DEALT WITH. The Taranaki. Scholarships Act Amendment Bill was passed. The Kauri Gum Industry Bill was reported from Committee. The Municipal Corporations Bill was considered in Committee, when some alterations and additions were made.