PARLIAMENTARY NOTES

Patea Mail, Volume XXXIX, 17 July 1914, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES

By our Special Reporter. |_By Telegraph—-Special to Press."] Wellington, Thursday* The House met at 230 yesterday, when the Methodist Charitable Education Trusts Act Amendment Bill was read a first time. A further batch of petitions were presented against the Religious Instruction in Schools Bill. Mr Macdonald gave notice to ask the Minister of Defence if he is aware of unrest existing in the Territorial force especially in the Gisborne district, and Mr Myers gave notice to ask the Minister if he is taking steps to carry ont General Hamilton’s recommendations regarding the- ad. ministration of the Defence Department Sir Joseph Ward asked what were the terms and ' conditions of the appointment of the N.Z, naval adviser and what was the salary. Mr Allen said he would give a reply in a few days. Practically the whole afternoon was occupied by a discussion on the Stafe Fire Insurance Department. Some members thought the Department should not be bolstered up by requiring those receiving State advances to insure with the Department, while others held it was only right those who secured State advances should give their business to the State. Sir Joseph Ward pointed out that the establishment of a State Fire insurance Department had reduced rates 33 13 per cent but did not suggest any effort should be made to crush private companies. The discussion was proceeding when the house rose at 5 30. Dealing vith the-operation of the State Fire Insurance Department Mr G Y Pearce (Patea) attacked Mr T M Wilford for statements made at Hawera. He said that it was unfair to make it com. puleory to insure with the Government as this would interfere with the Farmers Mutual Assurance Com* pany. The Department bad not Buffered by the removal of the re. striotions. Figures would show that the business of the Department was greater than ever to day. If the inburance with state office were insisted on, it would hill the Farmers Mutual Insurance organisation altogether. Taranaki farmers, he declared appreciated what bad been done by the Government leaving it open for them to insure where they chose. Mr Pearce emphasised the point that any attempt to create a State Fire Mouoply would operate seriously against the farmers.