N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3113, 12 November 1913, Page 9

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15The House met at 2.30 p.m. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. At 5.30, in I'eply to questions. Ministers said: That the matter of members of the public service of their wives engaging in business had been considered by the Public Service Commissioners, but so far it had not appeared possible to make a regulation prohibiting wives from engaging in any business without inflicting an injustice in many' cases. The Public Service Commissioner states that he is, however, of the opinion that the wife of a member of the public service should not engage in any business which is likely to interfere with the official duties of her husband or which would give colourable rea son to suppose that the business conducted by the wife might even in a remote way be assisted by the official position of her husband. He further states that it is proposed to take up cases of the kind as they come under notice, and to take such action in each case as may seem necessary.

That the significance to be attached to the Government’s action in advising the appointment of Sir William Hall Jones is that the Government has established a reform, and has departed from the practice that has prevailed since the alteration of the constitution of the Council in the year 1891 ‘ of regarding party considerations only, and of ignoring high public service in the selection of members to serve in that branch of the Legislature. That departmental officers are now preparing a special report of the question of making a thorough inspection of pork. That there are no funds specially raised for the assistance of injured jockeys, and therefore there is not a proposal before the racing conference to divert those funds.

That the introduction of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill has been delayed because there is mortf urgent business to be dealt with.

That in the matter of the drift of population between Australia and New Zealand for the last five months of 1912 there was a gain to New’ Zealand of 2963, and for the past 12 months of 2052. For the months of August and September of this {rear there was also a gain to New Zeaand of 560.

That when the question of agricultural education is under review the Government will consider the advisability of setting aside a permanent endowment for agricultural colleges to be erected in both islands.

That the public service commissioners have not been able discover by whom or hv what means the contents of the Public Trust Office Report were divulged to the New Zealand Times.

That the Government does not propose to. introduce legislation this session for the purpose of allowing names of unregistered nurses being admitted to the nurses' register. That it was not intended to alter the law affecting the election of county councils’ representatives to harbour boards this year. RIVER BOARD AMENDMENT BILL. Mr HERDMAN moved the second reading of the River Board Amendment Bill, which- provides for the alteration and abolition of districts on a petition signed by not less than one-fourth of the ratepayers. In the event of no board being elected in a rivers district the Governor may appoint sufficient members to constitute a board. Rates may be levied on a graduated scale according to a classification of land, which classification is to bo compulsory. Sections 88 and 93 of the Amendment Act of 1910 are repealed. Sir JOSEPH WARD objected to the alteration of boundaries on the abolition of a district on a minority of votes. That this was the law of the land at present was no justification, as he knew of many instances where this system created great hardship. He also questioned the wisdom of the compulsory classification of land and of the power given to the Governor to appoint a complete board in the event of the people failing to elect their representatives. Jhe Bill was read a second time after some discussion. WATER SUPPLY BILL. Mr HERDMAN moved the second reading of the Water Supply Bid amending the Bill of 1903 and providing for the compulsory classification of lands liable for -rates, and for the recovery of rates in the same manner as ordinary” rates. Mr Willi, said that, with the exception of this latter provision, there was nothing new or worth putting into a Bill. Mr BUDDG said the alterations were trifling, and were scarcely an improvement. Ihe Bill was read a second time. COUNTIES AMENDMENT BILL. Mr HERDMAN moved the second reading of the Counties Amendment Bill, which embodies the suggestions made from time to time by the Counties’ Conference. Mr RUSSELL said he would move to introduce several amendments to the Bill in committee. After some discussion on technicalities the Bill was read a second time, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The House rose at 11.55 p.m. EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY. In reply t-o a question by Mr Seddon about the service between Christchurch and Hokitika, the Hon. Mr Herries (Minister of Railways) said that that portion of the railways between Cass and Alpine Creek was still in the hands of the Public Works Department, but an arrangement had been made to work the traffic over that portion of tin- line jointly by the Public Works «cnd the Railway Departments. The present connection with Hokitika would be maintained in the meantime. When the line was finally handed

over to the working Railways Department the time-table would be reviewed. TAIERI DRAINAGE.

The difficulties occasioned by Moynihan’s dam, between Allanton and Otokia, forms the subject of a petition to the House, presented to-day by Mr R. Scott. The petitioners set forth that this dam is injudiciously placed, and has been generally condemned by engineers. The Taieri Drainage Board has not done anything to mitigate the evils that result from the dam, although the members had admitted the loss entailed upon the Crown tenants. These Crown tenants are in a small way and are, it is represented, powerless to obtain justice or even fair treatment. In view oi these factors, and also because the Crown property is being seriously depreciated in value, the petitioners request that a commissioner shall be appointed to inquire into and redress the wrongs suffered by petitioners. An allegation contained in the petition is that the effect of the dam is to divert the water from the property of a large landowner. The petition is signed by 13 l.i.p. tenants at Momona. JOTTINGS.

The Minister of Railways said that he hoped to be able to make arrangements to obviate the annoyance caused to travellers on theWlain Trunk route by ticket collectors at night time. At the same time, he said, the tickets of passengers joining the train at way stations must be inspected. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. BILLS. The Hon. Mr BELL introduced the Public Works Amendment Bill, which was read a first time. The Council went into committee on the Hauraki Plains Amendment Bill, which was reported with one small amendment. The Council also passed the Public Trust Office Amendment Bill through committee with minor and inconsequential amendments recommended by the Statutes Revision Committee. By 15. votes to 9 it was decided not to give the Public„Trusteo power to establish branches beyond New Zealand. The Council then adjourned till Wednesday. The House met at 2.30 p.m. HAURAKI PASTORAL LANDS. At the close of the debate on the Land Lease Amendment Bill, an amendment moved by Sir Joseph Ward to the effect that clause 25 be recommitted “for the purpose of reconsideration” was lost by 36 votes to 33. The following was the voting : For (33) —Atmore, Brown, Buddo, Buxton, Colvin, Craigie, Davey, Dickie, Glover, Hanan, Hindmarsh, Isitt, Uaurenson, M'Callurn, Macdonald, M’Kenzie, Myers, Ngata, Parata, Payne, Poland, Rangihiroa, Robertson, Russell, Seddon, Sidey, R. W. Smith, J. C. Thomson, Veitch, Ward, Webb, Wilford, Witty. Against (36): Allen, *Bell, Bollard (2), Bradney, Buchanan, Buick, Campbell, Coates,' Dickson, Fraser, Guthrie, Harris, Herdman, Herries, Hine, Hunter, Lee, Malcolm, Maunder, Massey, E. Newman, Nosvvorthy, Okoy, Pearce, Pomare, Reed, Rhodes (2'), Scott, F. H. Smith, Sykes, G. M. Thomson, Wilkinson, Wilson, Young. Pairs : Against amendment—Fisher, Escott, Statham, Anderson. For amendment —Carroll, Dr Newman, Ell, Forbes. The new clause, as already published, was then adopted, and the Bill was put through the report stage without discussion.

The Prime Minister moved the third reading of tho Bill at 11.15 p.m. * A COUNCIL VACANCY. The term for which the Hon. T. Kelly was appointed expired to-day. This is the first of tho 16 vacancies which there will be in the Council by the middle of January next. Mr Kelly was appointed to the Legislative Council on October 15, 1892, and was reappointed in 1899 and 1906. Before that time Mr Kelly had been a member of the House of Representatives. He was first elected to represent New Plymouth in 1869, and sat in Parliament till November 8, 1881. Again, from December 29, 1881, to June 27, 1884, he represented New Plymouth, so that he is one of the oldest legislators in the dominion. It has been ihe custom to reappoint members on the day of the ejepiry of their term. Mr Kelly has not been reappointed, and it is understood is not likely to be. ELDERSLIE ESTATE. A return asked for by Mr E. H. Clark was presented to the House to-day, giving full particulars of the acquisition of Elderslie Estate, No. 2, by the Government. This shows that the Government purchased 1671 acres at £2O per aero. Tho Government valuation at the time was: Capital value, £13,180; unimproved value, £12,400; improvementSj £I9BO. Three sections were not applied for at tho time of tho ballot, and were vacant for 100 days. In each case the Joss thus occasioned was "£lßl 7s Id. The total amount the whole block was loaded with was £6300. LEGAL HONOUR. A little while ago Mr Clark stated in a question in the House that a legal firm in Dunedin had charged a widow £7 7s for releasing a mortgage qf a few hundreds of pounds. The Law Society of Dunedin, jealous for the honour of the legal fraternity, communicated with Mr Clark, asking him to divulge this name in the interests of the public and of the profession. Mr Clark Is unable to do so till he receives the consent of his informant and tho widow concerned. In tho House this afternoon Mr Sidey, while discussing ihe question about trust moneys which Mr Clark had asked, expressed the hope that he would see his way to disclose this name. It was only fair, he urged, that this should be done.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17. The House met at 2.30 p.m. CHURCH OF ENGLAND TRUSTS BILL. The Ciuirch of England Trusts Bill was read a third time. NAVAL POLICY. Sir JOSEPH WARD asked the Minister of Defence whether the published statement to the effect that the delay occasioned by the Opposition on the Land Bill last week was responsible for delay in the production of the Government’s naval policy was correct. The Hon. Mr ALLEN replied that if the Ministers had been able to meet in Council last week-end the final details of the naval policy would have been concluded. He hoped that the matter would be finally dealt with at the coming week end. THE LAND BILL. The debate on the third reading of the Land Bill was resumed by the Hon. Mr BUDDO, who commended the amendments made in the direction of improving the tenure given to the holders of pastoral licenses. He, however, strongly condemned the proposal to give the freehold to the lessees of the Hauraki mining areas and the holders of small grazing runs. These lands ought to have been put into the national endowments, and preserved to the public estate. He questioned the utility of the clauses designed to prevent the reaggregation of land which was going on in many parts and was a serious menace to the small settlement and to the country schools. He doubted if the scheme had yet been devised to check that process unless it was through the agency of the graduated land tax, which must be looked to as the most satisfactory medium of promoting closer settlement.

Mr WILFORD drew attention to the state of affairs existing on a farm at Cheltenham, in the Oroua district, where a woman with nine children and another expected had to milk some 30 cows with the assistance of two of her children, aged 13 and 11 years, for the sum of 30s weekly and nothing found. This family was working for a man named Dermer, and Mr Wilford hoped the Government would put an end to such a disgraceful case of child slavery. Mr T, W. RHODES challenged the Opposition members to assist him in getting the nanle of the writer of the letter read by Mr Laurenson concerning ,his connection with clause 25, in order that he might ' impel him (the writer) to substantiate his allegation in open court. He traced at length the history of the agitation for the better settlement of the Hauraki lands, which, he was proud to say, was now about to be consummated. tMr CRAIGIE reiterated his protest against the selling of Crown lands and the destruction of the leasehold tenure. The settlement of the land was a great national question, and it should be removed from the arena of party politics. Mr LAURENSON said that no man who' loved his country could allow this Bill to pass without protesting against the sale of their lands. If they had a boundless country like Canada or Australia it would be different, but already they had parted with the greater part of their national estate, and would soon be face to face with a position that was most serious. If the world was to be resettled he ventured to say that not a civilised people on the earth would part with an acre of its land.

Mr LAURENSON, continuing, laid on. the table of the House an extract from the letter he had previously read regarding Mr Rhodes’s connection with the Hauraki lands, and declared that that gentleman’s promotion of the amendment to clause 25 was at least indiscreet. Mr COATES defended Mr Rhodes against the aspersions cast upon him, and twitted Mr Laurenson with voting for an increase in the members’ honorarium and with asking for a pension to ex-members as evidence of his selfish promotion of his own interests. The Liberal party in the past had not a definite land policy. They had tried to give a little to all sections of the community and had given satisfaction to no one. This Bill had a definite freehold policy, under which the in terests of both the .State and the settlers were thoroughly protected, and therefore he was pleased to give it his support. Mr MacDONALD said That there were many clauses in the Bill which would assist settlement, and he specified the clause providing for the re-valuation of Crown lands which had hitherto been over-valued. At the same time he deprecated the claim that the Bill was the best Land Bill ever introduced. He did not believe it would put an additional settler on the land, because it was well known that all Crown tenants except those on L.I.P. and national endowment land had had the right of acquiring the freehold for the last 20 years. Therefore, so far as the main question of promoting land settlement was concerned, the Bill did not touch it at all. He said ho was pleased to support a Bill which gave effect to a policy that the people had at the last election returned a large majority of members to give effect to. The Opposition had said that there was nothing new in the Bill, but judging by the violent attack made upon it by the leaseholders it was clear that there was something new in the measure. He then proceeded to show that had Mr Rhodes not brought in his amendment ho would have had greater rights under the original Bill, and therefore he was clearly not acting in his own interests in thus limiting his rights.

Mr ATMORE declared that no specious reasoning could disabuse the public mind of the fact that Mr Rhodes had attempted something most improper. His amendment meant that all mining fees, royalties, etc., derived from the land in which he had an interest were to go into his own pocket, and that he regarded as the most questionable thing he had met with since he had been in Parliament. The farce of purchasing land for closer settlement must cease, the graduated tax must

be applied in real earnest. He, however, had no hope of getting the present Goi vernment to do this, because they dare not attack the interests upon which they, depended for support. He had supported the Bill where it was a question of freehold pure and simple, but ho had nothing but reprobation for the Prime Minister’s attitude towards big freeholders monopolising enormous tracts of good land .fit for closer settlement.

Mr RUSSELL said the Bill represented one of the broken pledges of the Massey Government, who told the Crown tenants that they would give them the freehold at the original value. The fact was when Mr Massey came to put the proposal on -which, he Went to the country into legis- • lative form he found he could not do it, because it was-inequitable; and he (the Prime Minister) was not prepared to say that his Bill carried out the pledge he had given to the people. On. the proposal to give the freehold to the land-for-settle-ment laaids the Government was giving away the £60,000 profit we were making per year on these lands. At present these settlers were getting their .leases at 4 per cent., and the question they had to face ■was how wfere they going to do better. If thev acquired the freehold, where could they get money at that rate? The real incentive behind this desire to get the freehold was not a sentimental value for a home, but a desire to traffic in the goodwill, and it was on this cupidity that the Prime Minister had played in placing his proposals before the people. Every argument that had been urged agiftnst' the security of tenure of the leasehold lands could be urged against the national endowments and educational reserves.’ The granting of the freehold over the Hauraki lands was hut the thin end of the wedge, and before long we would have a proposal to give the freehold' over other lands which at present are regarded as sacred. Mr MANDER defended the non-resi-dence clause in the Bill, which, he said, would be. of material help 'in getting schoolmasters and others in similar occupations on to the land when they were prepared to retire from their ordinary vocations. Mr MASSEY, in reply, claimed that it ,-was nob possible for any overnmeirt to keep all the pledges to the people d-nirg the course of one Parliament. Taxation could not be reduced ' rcckh-.-.sly. As to

the Legislative Council, the Government had been burked, but he could assure the House that the Council would before long be more in keeping with the wishes of the people. As to giving the settlers the freehold at the original value, about which the member for Avon had so muclj to say. he claimed he was giving the freehold at the orignal value, and the term “actuarial calculation” had only been used to disarm criticism. Then as to parting with the profit now being made on the settlement lands, the statement that this profit was £60,000 was not correct, but if it were, the money was worth more to the State at the present time than 4 per cent., and the Minister of Finance would be only too glad if every leaseholder would come forward and offer to acquire the freehold, because there was more profit in the use of the money than in the land. He defended clause 25, and explained that it was only Mr .Rhodes, *in his keen desire to preserve the interests of the miners, that had been to all the trouble. When ho found liie clause was faulty he had it amended in such a way that the interests of the State, the miners, and the settlers were protected. Much had been said against the non-residence clause. Few members were evidently aware that this was the law at present in connection with the Hauraki leases, but this was so, subject to the consent of the Land Board, and that was what he was providing for in this Bill. He justified the conduct of Mr Rhodes, which was perfectly straightforward, and the attack upon him was one of the most cowardly things that had happened during the 19 years he had been in Parliament. Subdivision and reaggregation was more effectively dealt with in this Bill than it had even been in any previous measure. The question of subdivision he would have to leaye till another occasion. He moved the ..third reading of the Bill. On the question beipg put, a division was called for by Dr NEWMAN, the voting being:—Ayes, 39; Noes, 14. The division list was as follows: Ayes (39) —Messrs Allen. Atmore, Bell, Buchanan, Buick, Campbell, Coates, Dickson, Escott, Fisher, Guthrie, Herdman, Herries, Hine, Hunter, Lee, Macdonald, Malcolm, Mander, Massey, Myers, Nosworthy, Okcy, Pearce, Pomare, Reed, Rhodes (2). Scott, Smith (2), Statham, Sykes. G. M. Thomson, Ward, Wilkinson, Wilson, and 1 oung.

Noes (14) —Messrs Davey, Hanan, Hind marsh, Laurenson, M'Callum, A. K Payne, Rangihiroa, Robertson, Russell Seddon, Veitch, Webb, Witty, and Dr A, K. Newman.

The pairs were as follows : Ayes—Messrs Harris, Bradncy, J. Bollard, E. Nettman, Anderson, Clerk, R. F.* Bollard, Wilford, and J. C. Thomson. Noes —Messrs Craigie, Dickie, Colvin, Buxton, Fishes, Carroll, Glover, Ngata, and Isitt. The Bill was then passed, and the House rose at 0.22 a.m.

MONDAY, OCTOBER,, 20. The House met at 7.30 p.m. for the purpose of considering local Bills. Ine Education Reserves Act Amendment Bill and the Stamp Duties Act Amendment Bill were introduced by Governor’s Message and read a. first time. The former Bill provides that certain lands in Otago which are held on perpetual lease and are auctioned periodically may be taken by the Crown for. closer settlement. The Stamp Duties Bill provides for the making liable for stamp duties exchanges of land. Mr ELL contended that the State should get more than 15 per cent, on sales of land, where huge profits were made. Stamp duties should be levied by taxing those exchanges and sales of lands. The Hon. Mr HERDMAN said it would be impracticable to carry out Mr Ell’s suggestion. Thousands of transfers went through every week, and it would be impossible to differentiate between the value of the land and the value of the buildings. The Government could not consider such a proposal this session. The Gisborne Harbour Board Enabling Bill (Mr MacDonald) was regd a third time. The Timaru Harbour Board Empowering Bill (Mr Craigie) w r as reported from committee with an amendment. The Westport Public Parks Vesting Bill (Mr Colvin), and the Springs County Council Reclamation and Empowering Bill (the Hon. R. H. Rhodes) were read a third time. The Hon. Mr MILLAR moved the second reading of the Otago Harbour Board Empowering Bill. He objected to the striking out by the Local Bills Committee of the clause providing for the investment of trust moneys in debentures. He held that the Otago Harbour Board

should be allowed to invest, its moneys as it thought fit. Mr PEARCE (Chairman <*f the Local Bills Committee) read an opinion from the Solicitor-general on the matter, stating that the quesion was not a legal one, but he thought the proposal was not justified.

Sir J. G. WARD supported Mr Millar, contending that the board had a growing revenue and increasing assets, and was attached to one of the most important districts in the country, tie would support a motion to reintroduce the clause. The Hon. Mr HERDMAN said the question of whether the board conberned would be able to meet its obligations did not enter into the matter. _ The real rodtive actuating the committee was whether boards had powers of rating. He thought it was unfair to create trustsecurities by means of a local Bill. Mr SIDEY said he thought the Local Bills Committee had lately been going beyond its powers in interfering with local Bills as it had. Mr MILLAR said an anomalous position would be created if the matter was not made perfectly clear, as trust funds had been invested since 1908. The Bill was read a second time. The Auckland Cify Empowering Bill (Mr Dickson), the Bluff Harbour Board Empowering Bill (Sir J. G. Ward), the Western Taieri Hand Drainage Board Enabling Bill (Mr Scott), the Wanganui Borough Council Street Access Empowering Bill Mr Veitch), the Whangarei Foreshore Vesting Bill (Mr Mander), and the Hamilton High School Reserve Bill (Mr Young) were read a second time. When the Patea Harbour Bill (Mr Pearce) came up for its second reading Sir J. G. WARD stated that he had received communications from reputable persons complaining that by the influence of two members of the House areas were excluded from the Wanganui Eating Bill this year, and the Bill was therefore allowed to proceed, while last year w)jen those areas were contained in the Bill it was stuck up. He thought that the people objecting should have an opportunity of being heard before either the Wanganui Harbour or Patea Harbour Bills proceeded. He thought it was better to have the whole matter properly cleared up and 'the bona £des of the members concerned settled before the Bills were putthrough their final stages. He pointed out that the complainants were his political opponents. Mr PEARCE said that those who were qbjecting to the Bill simply whnted to get out of paying for improvements to be made in either the Patea or the Wanganui Harbours. The Bill was read a second time. The City of Nelson Loans Conversion and Empowering Bill (Mr Atmore) was read a second time. Several Bills were considered in committee. In th> Otago Harbour Board Empowering Bill a new, .clause was inserted providing for the investment of the board’s funds in debentures, and a similar amendment was made to the Bluff Harbour Board ' Empowering Bill, both being reported with amendment. The Auckland City Empowering Bill, the Western Taieri Drainage Bill, the Wanganui Borough Bill, the Hamilton High School Bill, and City of Nelson Loans Conversion and Empowering Bill all passed- through committee, and were, with the Otago Harbour Board Bill and the Bluff Harbour Bill, read a third time. The House adjourned at 11.5 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21. • The House met at 2.30 p.m. CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION. In reference to the petition of T. H. and E. Johnston praying for compensation for the wrongful committal of the /ormer petitioner to the Avondale Asylum, the A to L Committee reported that it had no recommendation to make.

Mr PAYNE and Mr ROBERTSON protested against the finding, contending that there was ample evidence to establish the fact that Johnston was wrongfully committed. If this sort of thing was permitted to go on no one would be safe. The Hon. Mr FISHER said the whole point of the case was the allegation that there had been collusion between the police and the doctors to get Johnston out of the way at all costs, because of the knowledge he had of incidents connected with the Waihi strike. He reviewed the evidence given before the committee by Johnston to show that the answers given by him to questions were not those of a rational man. His evidence was a mass of either contradiction or fabrication, and no attempt had been made before the committee to prpve that there was collusion between the doctors and the police. The man was undoubtedly of weak mind, and was of the class which required special treatment. Mr WEBB moved to refer the report back to the committee for further consideration. The whole proceedings at Waihi appeared to him to be a conspiracy to vilify a labour organisation. They wanted a commission to inquire into all the facts. All they wanted was the truth, and if the verdict was against the Federation of Labour that body, unlike the Government, would cheerfully admit its faults. The amendment was lost on the voices, and the report was ordered to lie on the table. The evidence is to be printed. RIVER BOARDS BILL. The House went into committee on the River Boards Act Amendment Bill. The clause providing for the appointment by the Governor of members of a board where no election is held or where a less number is elected than is required by law and challenged by Mr M'CALLUM, but on a division the clause was retained by 31 votes to 16. Mr WILFORD and Mr M'CALLUM opposed clause 6, which provided that drainage rates are to be levied on a graduated scale, contending that the old scheme was working very well. The bodies represented by those members had

not sought the provision, and they would be satisfied if their districts were excluded from the scope of the Bill. Mr BUIC'K held that compulsory classification was a good thing, and he hoped the Miniver would stick to the Bill as it was.

Mr WILFOED said the principle was wrong and could only emanate from a Tory Government. Mr ELL said that it was his duty to oppose the clause, which was reactionary and which robbed the people of local option. * After the House had divided on the clause the whole Bill was reported with a minor amendment, OTHER" BILLS.

The~ Committee then considered the Water Supply Bill, which was passed through, as also was the Eangitaiki Drainage Bill. The House adjourned at 0.45 a.m. SLOT TELEPHONES. -

The popularity of public slot telephones is evidenced by the return which-was presented to fhe House of Representatives today, on the motion of Mr Ell. ,it shows that the capital cost of the telephones in use at the end of last month was £3448, and the total amount Received from them from June 1, 1912, to June 30, 1913, was £ISOO. The annual return from the telephones has thus amounted to nearly onehalf of their capital cost. DUTY ON WATER PIPES. A return which was presented to the House of Representatives to-diay, on the motion of Sir Walter Buchanan, shows that the amount of duty paid up to March 31 in New (Zealand on wrought iron and cast iron water pipes totalled £22,211. The duty that has been paid oh wrought iron or steel water pipes exceeding six inches in diameter totals £2734, and the duty paid on cast iron pipes exceeding nine inches in diameter amounts to £19,476. There is one factory in the dominion (at Wanganui) engaged" in producing spiral steel water pipes. The wages .paid per annum at this establishment total £6242. IMPORTS AND CUSTOMS. Particulars of the total imports and of Customs taxation levied thereon during the last 13 years are given in a return which was presented to Parliament to-day, on the motion of Mr Wilkinson :

•Nine jnonths to September 30.

-PROHIBITING MARRIAGE. Mr Ell asked the Minister of to-day what steps, if any, he proposed to" take with respect to the rule which was being enforced by the different banks prohibiting the marriage of bank clerks who were in receipt of less than £2OO per annum. The' Westralian Parliament, h© said, had approved of a clause in a Bill providing that any person _ prohibiting under threat ,of dismissal the marriage of any employee over 21 years of age should bo liable to a fine of £SOO or three months’ imprisonment. ANALYSING MANURES Mr G. M. Thomson to-day asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he would introduce legislation to amend the present Sale of Manures Act in the direction of insisting that every sale of, say, a ton or more of artificial manure the vendor should give a certified analysis. In a note he says :—“ By undertaking analysis free during several past years the Government put private analysts out of business. Now that there is no outside person to do this work the Government analyst charges at legst £1 11s 6d tor every analysis of such a manure as basic slag, and frequently takes a very long time to do the work. The present Act is an absolute farce. BEE FARMS. In answer to a question to-day Mr Massey (Minister of Lands) stated that instructions had been given to the duel surveyors that when land was being cut, up for settlement they wefd to confer with an officer of the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of ascertaining whether suitable areas could be provided for bee farms. BUILDING SOCIETIES’ BALLOTS. The Hon. J. A. Millar asked the Prim© Minister to-day whether he would bring in legislation this session to exempt building societies from the operations of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, as under the present law every’ officer of those societies taking part in any ballot for loans was liable to a heavy penalty? Mr Massey replied : “The Government has not been made aware of the difficulty referred to, but will consult the law officers of the Crown on the subject, and t it be found necessary will introduce legislation for the purpose.” SAN FRANCISCO EXHIBITION.

T'.« Prime Minister stated to-day, in reply to a question, that the Government intended to make, an exhibit at the San Francisco Exhibition in 1915. MOSGIEL LANDS.

The answer of the Prime Minister to Mr Clark’s question about the Presbyterian Church lands at Mosgiel being acquired for settlement purposes is as follows i— ** The Land for Settlements Act does not allow of lands set aside as endowments or reserves being compulsorily taken for settlement purposes, but an endeavour will be made to supply the requirements of Mosgiel with land for workers’ homes either in or adjacent to the borough. The trustees of the Presbyterian Church lands of Otago have already been approached on this matter, but without success.

Percentage of Customs Imports (Excluding Customs Duties. Specie). Duties. 1901 19.31 £11,353,416 £2,191,798 1902 20.85 10,958,038 2,206,043 1909 20.72 12,076,969 2,601,898 1901 20.64 12,900,030 2,660,189 1905 21.25 12,481,178 2,662,686 1906 20.27 14,303,170 2,89?,103 1907 18.62 16,539,707 17,247,162 3,079,427 1908 16.83 2,903,086 1909 17.91 14.817,462 2,653,617 1910 17.64 16,748,223 2,964,989 1911 16.85 18,782,608 3,165,867 1912 16.21 20,676,579 3,336,719 1913* 16.49 17,144,503 2,686,190