PARLIAMENTARY GALLERY NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3248, 14 June 1916, Page 44

PARLIAMENTARY GALLERY NOTES.

■ *^*~ ———■ By Pax. WELLINGTON, Juno 7. "That tho New ;,e;uauu House oi Representatives in Parliament assembled deeply deplores tuo lamented Uctuii ot i< .eiu-mursiial Earl Ji-itclioner, (secretary oi Stale lor \\ ar, wlnlo proceeding on xi..vx.6. ilampsliire to iiuao.a, at tile reqiivSt oi tiie Coir, on an importune military mission; iurtner, iiiat tliu House records .is mgn appreciation of his distiiigu sued services to tiie Empire as soldier ana statesman throughout a long and illustrious career; and, Horner, that the ij.ou.3j desires to express its proiound sorrow in tiie great, 10-.-s winch m 3 iviajvsty's Government, the Bntisn army, and the Empire as a whole have sie-iamed by his death. The Speaker takes his place. ihc daily prayer is spoken with the usual gravity. Routine business follows, 'lhere is a heavy sense of expectation. At last the Prime -Minister rises. V\ hat he as about to say is known. There- is silence in the Chamber. As m an hour of personal grid one notices the trivial thing, and evqn in that hour realises that, while memory lasts, tiie picture will remain; so now from the gallery the writer sees that tiie Attorney-general happens to be standing close to the Hon. Mr Eraser, whose grey head looks greyer tiii.s afternoon than it looked a few hours ago. r J he Prime Minister's voice is cairn and grave. Heavy hearts are conscious that it is soothing them and quietening minds which v.are not ready for a great shock. Ho is moving the resolution. As in a dream the strong voice is heard. It speaks of service rendered to the nation by the nation's hero, whose name will live forever, and who will ever be remembered as the still, strong man, ready for all emergencies. The voice speaks to the House of the fiery trial through which tiie Empire is passing, and of a triumphant future. It urges wise counsel, it speaks of determined action, and it dwells on the sacrifice of self for the State. Why va : n regret? Tho past is past. The voice tells again the story of Kitchener's visit to New Zealand, and of his connection with the Territorial scheme. Again is heard the soldier's message to New Zealand, and his pride in the Dominion troops. The voice ceases. Still silence. These are British men with British control. In the galleries none cough; no feet shuttle; no knitting needles click. But the hands of the clock move on inexorably. They alone are unmoved. Vaguely now it is realised that Sir Joseph Ward is speaking -ante calmly. His voice strikes a responsive chord. He is telling human anecdotes. He knew tho soldier. And hero is Labour -peaking through the real Mr Hindmarsb, Labour's kind friend, and the friend of all people who aro in trouble. Labour expresses the hope that sorrow will take the present bitterness out of polities. Labour regrets that the soldier did not live to sec the result of all his labours. But some of the Labour benches are vacant. Mv Isitt now. and the mind dully approves. His voice is welcome. He speaks humbly. A memorial he asks for in the shape of a gift battleship. Now members stand in silence. The motion is carried. Again the Prime Minister's voice, find now returning consciousness, it is still day. There is work to do. Kitchener would wish thqm to '•carry on." Tin: House dots not adjourn. Thus the afternoon of Wednesday, June 7. and outside the sun shines, though the nation's hero has gone to his long rest. And the flag above the House droops, mournfully at tho half-mast. Saturday, Juno 11. Tho House has carried on, and since that memorable afternoon there has been a change in the attitude of the irrcconcilables, who haveVlone more to damage the Labour cause in the opening weeks of the session than has ever been done by the representatives of Labour before. Had the anticonscriptionists stated their case strongly in tho beginning—voted against tho Bill, and then assisted to improve its clauses by careful criticism and suggestion, they would have earned for themselves the admiration and sympathy of the House and the conntry. Instead, they did all they could to hamper the pas-age of the Bill, and to delay it. Again, when it reached the Committee stage, some of them attempted a foolish stonewall. The news of the tragic death of Lord Kihchener brought them to their senses, and at the eleventh hour their one real representative, Mr Hindmarsh, urged them to submit to the inevitable, and do their best to improve the Bill, the passing of which thov were unable to prevent. The attitude of Mr Veitch (Wanganui) is very different. He has realised that tin? Bill is necessary. Moreover, he recognises that the majority of the people desire compulsion, and he is not afraid of the loud minority. There is dignity in this representative of Labour, and a future ahead of him if he continues to hear the still, small voice above the clamour of the ignorant The Bill has passed through the Committee stage and its third reading. It is probably the, most important Bill which has ever been introduced to the Parliament of New Zealand, and it is supported solidly by the House, with the exception of a tiny band. Mr Fletcher (Wellington Central) has at last declared his hand. He opposes conscription. Ho represents a constituency which contains nearly all the acknowledged Red Feds, of Wellington. To show how at his -ease lie feels among that illustrious company, ho produces a cushion for hie shrewd head sometimes, and lies full length upon his seat. Tin- atmosphere is tiring. Dr Thacker is said to have had an interview with some of his constituents in the week-end. Ho lias found the better part. Ho realises that discretion is a valuable attribute occasionally, lie lias declared for conscription with a bad grace, like a. naughty child, who. compelled to obey his master, pokes out his tongue belrnd the master's ba/'k .justt-o show'the class how strong a mind is his. The Maori neople are excluded from the Bill. It must' over be remembered, to the honour of l!i- Native people, that: thoy, through their own representatives, desired to be included. Thoy recognise that theirs is a dwindling race, ],,ii- thoy are prepared <o sacrifirn themselves in the cause of flint Empire of which they are proud to call themselves a part. Those who love the Maori pponlo riro touched !>v their devotion and they feel n sense of skimp that in this year of trial some of (he European ronrcsptitatlves cannot compare favourably with those of a which not 100 years aero was ravage. Tho intelligence of the

their intense patriotism, add a beauty to Parliament which not even the sordid and potty behaviour of some of the alleged Labour representatives ran wholly mar. Always the looker-on regrets that the real representatives of Labour Have not been sunt to Parliament, lie looks forward to that day when, tile ivur over, the soidh rs will come home. Among them will he some wnoso voice is the voice of tile people. Most of the amendments m Committee concerned words —technicalities, eie. That dealing with penalties is perhaps oao oi the most important. 'ihe ljunisiime-ni lor deserters has been reduced Iroiu i'J 1.0 live years. The clause dealing witir reeentj.y-marricd men is altered. Originally it was proposed to.put lino the liisc division of tlie Reserve all men whoso marriage took placo alter the •itii o-i August, it)i4. 'i'lus idea has been proved absurd. 'i'i'io clause now reads: "Aiarrted men, whose marriage took place subsequently to the Ist of May, lalo."' .1 he real snirker and families of shirkers are as salely ensnared' as are the German submarines when they get tangled up in British nets. Vet tile individual is projected from hardship by the right oi appeal. it has been rumoured in tiie lobbies that the boards will have to take care that enough nnners are left—miners of coal, iron, gold, and scheelito,- also batchers, ivoj:i 11 manufacturing hands, and shearers; also tur tilers in the distant back-blocks, whose mustering must be done almost entirely on loot, and whose place can never bj taken by women or older men. There are no class exemptions. Every eligible man is liable to be called. ISr Joseph Ward is recovered from the cold, and is back in the House. Lie has declared himself a believer in the necessity for tiie Bill. He claims to share full responsibility for its introduction. He has rebuked tiie anti-conscriptioiiists, who, he states, have not encouraged reeiuiting under the voluntary system. Ho urges the people oi cite country to cease quarrelling among themselves, and, instead, to unite in one great push to win the war for the Empire. Critics who have grumbled because the financial Statement and taxation proposals have not yet been produced, he has advised to wait and see. I'he Government is not able, he said, to do everything in 24 hours. The Hon. Mr lierdman lias spoken on behalf of the police, whoso hard duty is to remain at Iconic. Theirs arc responsible and critical duties. lie admired their spirit and their desire 10 light, for the Empire, but he could not let them go. The attitude of the Defence Minister during the discussion in Committee met witu cite unqualified approval of his friends. who are only too conscious at times that his manner is not conciliatory, and that it irritates many well-intentioned people, lie '.vent much lmthcr than liult way ,0 meet suggestions. He accepted them with sincere thanks. He encouraged criticism and comment, and he conducted himself as a wise statesman should. Consequently ho received congratulations and expressions of thanks From all sides of the House. Early on Saturday morning the weary House heard his reply. Earlier, the iion. Mr Myers had spoken for the Bill, and had contradicted Air Fletcher, who believes New Zealand has midor.takc-n too much. The Hon. Mr Adieu said that tin re had been l.ttie political; feeling shown in the d'seiifsiou oi t!r> Bill, but he feared that the action of seme of the anti-conscription ir em hers would cause dissension in the country in spite of the fact that a huge proportion of the people had clamoured for conscription. He spoke of the danger to the nation in diss nsion tit this time'. The Appeal Board would consist of civilians, strong, earnest men, whoso only desire would bo the good of the community. They would justly consider all appeals—including that of the conscientious objector. The Minister closed his speech on a hue note of patriotism. There was applause when it was announced that tin. Bill had been carried, and ire. tubers joined in singing the National Anthem. 'Hie House rose at a quarter to 3 Only a few hours later the tolerant Prime Minister received a deputation of women, introduced by Mr M'C'ombs. They were anti conscriptionists, and many of them talked at once. They believe that the voluntary system would continue to be satisfactory it' thcro were better pay and prisions. One or two are mothers of young soldiers, and some have listened to dangerous agitators, and are not to be blamed tor the ideas which they have imbibed. Mr Field 'Nelson) made some startling statements to the House on Friday concerning certain journals, from whose columns he quoted freely. It is anticipated that this is only the opening chapter on that amazing story. Mr Rhodes (Thames) had opened the eyes of the casual members of the House earlier in the day. He also had read marked, learnt, and declined to digest. certain paragraphs which suggest that all is not entirely well, and that in the ointment called loyalty of the people of tilis country there is one tiny fiy. Even a perfect rose must be protected; otherwise the insects may destroy its beauty. But they cannot take away its exquisite perfume. Grey Lynn is not subdued by the passing of Lord Kitchener. His voice is (•till heard in rude inter ice; ion "Hatchet Face," he amiably announces as one of the ablcbt men in Parliament rises to speed:. Mr Nosworthy, once the Reform Whip, Grey Lynn particularly dislikes. His untutored mind find-; joy in imitating the voice of Mr Nosv.orthv and hideously mimicking his mannet' But, generally speaking, he is treated wil ii contemptuous indifference. Opponents of the Military Service Bill and other persons with other reasons endeavour to spread abroad the. impression thai <he poor man's ?i;n will bo victimised, while the rich man will he alio wed to buy the alleged freedom of his son. Honi soit quo mal y pense. Is it thus they would victimise a class were they in power? Perish the thought! Nevertheless: "The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel." DIRTY BANK NOTES. In answer to .Dr Thacker, who inquired what was being done by the Government to eliminate from circulation filthy bank notes :m<[ whether metal coins were washed and sterilised in view of the prevalent epidemics of infectious disea.se. Sir J. (J. Ward (Minister of Finance) said that this was not a matter which could be remedied at the present time. The banks were endeavouring to procure new notes for issue, but, owing (o tlie war, it was impossible to get a, sufficient supply printed and forwarded to Now Zealand for circulation. Tho banks were fully alive to the inconvenience, and were doing their best to remedy it. On account of the wide circulation of metal coins it would be ex-

ceedingly difficult to give- effect to the proposal, but he would be glad to inquire into the matter. GRADING IMITATORS. In answer to Mr Mander, who asked if the Government would provide for the grading of potatoes exported from South Island ports, the Hon. Mr MacDonald stated that purchasers of potatoes could now have the tubers examined ami graded by authorised men hi order to prevent fraudulent deliveries. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. In replying to questions Ministers said:— There would be sufficient opportunities during the session for members to express their opinions upon allegations as to the employment of Germans in the forces. The matter of prohibiting tho use of tho word " Anzac " as a trade mark was being attended to. The Government had released two enemy aliens from internment tamps to enable them to accept work from private employers. It was the duty of the medical officer of the day at camp to attend to emergency cases which required immediate attention. Mr E. If. Hi fey was director of camp and barrack construction, with tho rank of colonel and without salary or allowances in respect, to -the appointment, which did not interfere with his railway duties. It was proposed to amend the war regulations so as to enable constables at country stations to issue permits for the sale of arms, and ammunition. It was hoped largely to extend the maternity hospital system throughout, the dominion at an early date, and also to devise a scheme that would "tie of benefit to both the juvenile and tho adult population in tho matter of dental treatment. In tlie event of a war bonus being granted to members of the permanent stall" of the civil service, it wa.s proposed suitably to adjust the pay of temporary clerks. It was not at present proposed to increase the old-age pensions or the amount payable to Maori war veterans. The Government's proposals in connection with the friendly societies would shortly be announced. IM PORTED WHEA T. The following- important question was addressed to ihe Minister of Agriculture on the 2nd by -Mr Dickie: "Is it a fact that a cargo of about 500 tons of Tasmanian flour has been sold to New Ze.al.and at £9 5s per ton, f.0.b., Tasmanian ports, which costs £ll 10s delivered In New Zealand? As far as can be gathered, the price in New Zealand is rot supposed to be lower than £l2 10s per ton. and growers are hawking best quality milling wheat round the Ashburtoii and Christchurch markets to-day, and cannot get bids of 4s per bushel for it. If these facts are correct, will the Government take steps to see that tiie farmers are protected, otherwise the growing of wheat will only be carried on at a loss? STATE COAL SUPPLIES. A question was put to the Minister of Mines regarding the supplies of State coal availablo for sale to consumers at the ''the Hon. Mr MacDonald said tlie production of coal from the State collieries was tho same as it had been of late years. Owing, however, to tiie shortage of ships for the carriage of eo.d from Australia to New Zealand, the Railway Department was short of coal, audi under the State Coed Mines Act the Railway Department and shipping had to be supplied before the State could retail coal to consumers. The Railway Department was taking at present it great deal of coal, and would require it for somo weeks until sidps could bring coal from Australia.