PARLIAMENT.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 4699, 28 November 1913, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REP RESKNTATI YES

THE LYTTELTON ELECTION

Electric Telegrapn—Press Association Wellington, Last Night. The H-ouse of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m.

In reply to Sir Joseph Ward, Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister, said the writ for the Lyttelton election had been issued, and could not be recalled. The rolls, therefore, had to close. Sir Joseph Ward suggested that a short Bill be put through extending the closing of the polls till December 5, and that the election be held on the 15th. He understood there were large numbers of people shut out, while it was freely stated that the Government party knew the writ was going to be issued and had been able to get many of the Government party on the roll. He did not suggest that the Premier wished to jerrymander the election; therefore he hoped this suggestion would be adopted. Mr Massey pointed out that if a second ballot was held it would make it too late for the return of the writs. His difficulty was that if he rushed the election he was accused of preventing people enrolling, and if he held matters back be would be accused of delaying until the second ballot was repealed. He would give Sir Joseph Ward’s suggestion every consideration, but he could not give him a definite answer at once.

Mr Massey read a telegram from Mr Jones, Reform organiser, denying the statement in the Lyttelton Times in which he (Mr Jones) was said to have made reflections upon Sir Joseph Ward.

Sir Joseph Ward thanked Mr Massey for the prompt steps he had taken to ascertain the truth of the matter.

The Mutual Fire Insurance Amendment Bill received from the Legislative Council was read a first time. The amendments made by the Legislative Council in the River Boards Amendment Bill were agreed to.

The House went into Committee on the Education Amendment Bill. The Minister moved the amendment giving the Boards power tP approve* of lodging provided for junior National Scholarship holders. —Carried. In connection with the change in the existing law, extending trie date on which householders’ annual meetings might be held, the Minister explained that the change would enable committees in country districts to fix a moonlight night for the purpose. A number of new machinery clauses were added, on the motion of the Minister. An amendment was moved by Mr Russell, Avon, affirming the principle of one committee* one vote in the election of Education Boards.

The Minister stated that he was going into the whole question of the election of Education Boards during the recess. The amendment was lost on the voices.

Mr McCallum (Wairau) moved an amendment giving the committees power to reduce the school hours by half an hour, during which religious and moral instruction might be given. Lost on the voices.

The Railway Construction and Land Amendment Bill was further considered in Committee, the Opposition discussing the Bill on lines hostile to the construction of railways by local bodies and private companies.

In reply to Sir Joseph Ward the Minister declined to put a clause in the Bill prohibiting the borrowing of money for the purposes of private lines within the Dominion. Mr Russell advocated setting up an independent commission to investigate and report upon tin* payability of railways proposed to be constructed under tlie Act before sanctioned. The Hon. W. Fraser, Minister of Public Works, pointed out that before any contract could bo entered into it must be laid on the table of the House, when it could be discussed bv members.

Mr Ell (Christchurch South) contended that the contract should be referred to a committee of the House for investigation; otherwise the House was powerless. Members had no means of acquainting themselves with all the facts, and would have to follow the lead of the Minister. Uiiass the Minister gave tne House an »pp' tun ity, members could not possibly i eject any contract. Mr Payne (Grey Lynn) disagree! with the principle of the Bill. He argued that the State should control all railways.