PARLIAMENTARY GALLERY NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3254, 26 July 1916, Page 44

PARLIAMENTARY GALLERY NOTES.

By Pat. WELLINGTON, July 22. It is still believed that the work of the session will be finished at the end ot the present week; but there are some 'lhomasee among the members, and they say the thing is impossible. The two Houses have now come to an agreement; on the Military Service BjII. Tile difficulty of the religious objector was their only point of difference. Alter two conferences members from both- Houses managed to make the Bill acceptable, and it will shortly become law. The religious objector may bo exempted from combatant service, but will be called upon to perform all the duties of a soldier, except actually firing a rifle or a gun. For him there is work, hard and dangerous, with the Red Cross or with the Army Service Corps. The young student of Human nature need travel but a little way in search of objectlessons, for in the House lie may find a curious collection of individuals. At limes he believes that all men are capable of rising to the heights of the angels, and then he discovers that some of the best- are very human alter all. Tin's writer has been saddened tlun week by an exhibition oi pettiness on the part of Mr Isitt, member tor Christchurch North. Mr Isitt raised a question in the House about the privileges of members, and made public the eccentricities of a very old man, ■whose peculiarities have caused grief to many who have real reason for admiring the sterling qualities of the man. Mr Isitt asked if it was right that the adult son of tins member ot tut Upper House should travel free on the railways. Mr Herries, the Minister of Railways, replied that legally the matter was in order, although it was regrettable that in this case the honourable gentleman in the ''other place" ehould take advantage of his privilege. Mr Hinthnarsh has expressed his intense pleasure at being able to place on record m Hansard the name of this wealthy sheep-farmer. Politicians and their pettiness are a nauseating spectacle. The more one sees oi them the more one loves and admires the simple soldier. The War Regulations Amendment Bill was discussed very fully on Wednesday night, when ladies wen; advised -to be absent, for the Minister of I'ubiic Health desired to speak freely on a delicate matter which concerns the welfare of the nation. The Hon. Mr Russell's published statement is proof that the Government has seriously considered this real national clanger, and that Cabinet has taken the advice of experts. It is difficult to understand why many serious-minded women continue to object to the precautions -which are to bo taken, and why they persist j n believing that womanhood is insulted. JJr Newman (Wellington East) has threatened to divide the House on one clause in the Bill when it is considered in Committee. There is no more enthusiastic upholder of women's rights in the House than Dr Newman. The Hon. Mr Herdman, in moving the second reading of the Bill, pointed out that it concerned the control of the sale of liquor, and the treatment of prostitution and disease, and that it also provided for regulations concerning enemy trading. He spoke on the liquor aspect and about enemy trading. He very carefully explained that in Now Zealand we are guided by the policy of Britaih, and he stated that in his opinion, so fair ha*s been the British policy, centuries of criticism will never destroy the reputation of the statesmen who framed it. In stifling German trade the British navy has continued to hold the respect, and confidence of neutral countries. When the Minister spoke of the control of the sale_ of liquor, he prefaced his remarks by saying that this matter was of local interest only, unci that it did not concern the welfare of the Empire. He thus drew upon himself a rebuke from Mr Isitt, ardent prohibitionist. Mr Herdman's policy is that of the strong man. He takes a line and follows it. Ho sees no need for change in the hours of sale. Ho 'that he is supported in his opinion by the people, ' who expressed their wish at an election held after the outbreak of war; and, while soldiers were in camp. He also says that in fairness to the trade, there should be compensation if a change is made. Ho is confident that the police can deal with any difficulties if they are empowered to keep women out of hotels, and that the Government will deal very firmly with the sly-grog evil. He is convinced that this evil, and an evil whicii is attendant upon it, will increase if the hotels arc closed early. He is not even a whole-hearted supporter of the anti-shouting clause. He knows that the conduct of the soldiers is excellent, and lie is advised by the superintendent of police that, with the soldiers, all is well. The Minister concluded by stating that a clause in the Bill will give the police power to take a licensee befofo a committee, which committee will be empowered to hand the man's license over to some more reputable man if necessary. "Heat." said the Minister, speaking .with a suspicion of heat; "I hope it will not be shown in the discussion of this Bill." The second reading has been agreed to. but, the Bill will bo freely discussed in Committee.

On Tuesday, Mr Payne, member for Grey Lynn, created a painful scene in the House by casually referring to the Minister of Finance as a traitor to his country, and then by refusing to apologise for his expression. Urey Lynn disapproves of war debentures being freed from income tax. The Finance Minister has most carefully explained that if is tho big man's money which is wanted, in bulk, and that to get it great inducement has been offered. Neither the big man's im-resf uoi the small man's is considered. It is simply a question of raisjng '.he money for t!nw:ouii- ' "Traitors," and other hard names were used by Mr Payne ,' n his criticism. When called to order, his anger rose, and he added insult to iniury bv swearing alter the alleged maimer of a bullock driver. Result —Suspension for that sitting (hair an hour) nnd much lime-light, which is exactly what the man desires, though on this occasion h< probably had no deliberate intention of looking for it. In the absence of tho Prime Minister, it was the painful duty of the Minister of Finance to be tho instrument of ejection. Tie proved his wisdom by declining to make a martyr of the gentleman from tho north, who deserved to be expelled for the remainder of the session. The sralleries were full of Indies on the occasion. Mrs Massoy and Lady Ward were among them. On Fridav ; fternoon, the ITon. Mr

Frascr, Minister for Public Works, made a statement about the Estimates which concern his department. The text of his remarks was reduced expenditure. There is no money for new undertakings, and only absolutely necessary work will bo carried out. When rue session is over there will be an interesting conference, at which delegates from county councils will advise which works are absolutely necessary. Already Mr Pcarcc (Patea) through whoso electorate an excellent railway runs, is deprecating the proposal to go on with the Otira . tunnel. Roads and bridges are very necessary, ho says. In Patea, there are many streams and much country which possesses no roads. Mr Webb (Grey) sees no difficulty about raising money—stiff taxes will doit, lie says—and railways are badly needed. Mr Sykea (Mastorton) and others consider the railway over the Rimutakas requires immediate attention, and Mr Glover (Auckland East) knows that the East Coast railway when finished —will be a very paying concern. And so they go on. The conference will certainly bo interesting. A matter which concerns the individual member of Parliament is the construction of the new House. Already a Furnishing Committee has been set up. The House cannot be used until the Speaker's quarters arc ready —so the Minister says—and the walls must bo strong and safe. The Public. Works Estimates have boon ndontcd, there seeming no other way of dialing with them.