HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10474, 9 October 1912, Page 7

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, October 8. The House met at 3,30.

’ The Hon. Fraser intimated that the Public Works Statement would probably be brought down next week. The Hon. Massey gave notice that he would ask the House to sit on Monday evenings. Next Monday evening would be devoted to local bbis. Mr Robertson introduced the Pure Water Supply to Flax Mills Bill, explaining that its object was to secure a pure water supply for drinking purposes at all flaxmills, it having been proved that river water was not fit for human consumption owing to the filth which found its way into it. Mr Robertson complained of the delay in dealing with the report of the Chief Inspector of the Labour Department in connection with the conditions obtaining in flaxmills in the Manawatu. He said Mr' Massey had promised labour a square deal, but labour had not broken out there, and serious harm might be done if this matter were not attended to. Mr Massey, in response to a wish expressed by Mr Laureuson, said he would lay a report on the table. Mr Laurenson quoted an extract from the report to show that some filthy conditions prevailed in connection with eating and living at the mills. He hoped the Government would give immediate attention to the matter. Mr Yeitch said the matter brought forward by Mr Robertson was only one phase of labour grievances. No Government could afford to leave these matters over indefinitely. If the Government was not prepared to do more than they had done this session he for one would not support them.

Mr Massey said he had Hirst seen the report on the 36th August,"and had seen a Bill prepared to meet the matter. A Bill was now in the hands of the Crown Law Office, and was just about ready for circulation. It would he referred to the Labour Bills Committee within a day or two. Mr Massey said he did not intend to alter the constitution of the Arbitration Court at present. He regretted the conditions obtaining in Manawatu and said there was provision in the Public Health Act for pure water. Mr Ell contended that the Government’s attitude in the matter did not show much sympathy with or concern for the welfare of flavin ill hands. After further discussion the Bill was read a first time. The Hon. Mr Allen laid before the House a statement regarding the revenue for the six months ending 80th September compared with the corresponding period last year. For 1913 the total was £4,933,478; 1911, £4,747,886, an increase of £176,137. After some discussion the Legislative Council Bill was read a second time. The House went into Committee on several Bills. The Wanganui River Trust Amendment and the Hauraki Plains Amendment Bills passed through committee without material amendment. In committee on the Public Trust Office Amendment Bill, in reply to Mr Hgata, The Hon. Herdman said it was not intended to do anything in reference to the West Coast natives lease this year on the lines recommended by the Commission. The great bulk of the leases would be falling in next year. A Bill dealing with the whole matter could be introduced then. He could not indicate the Government’s intentions. The Bill was reported with minor amendments. “After midnight, the Valuation of Laud Amendment Bill was considered in committee. An amendment was introduced at the instance of the Premier exempting roads, bridges and irrigation works, drainage works, or river protection works as improvements, and agreed to. Replying to Mr R. Smith, Mr Massey said he could not possibly accept a clause exempting milling bush. At the instance of Mr Witty, " the Premier accepted an amendment exempting ornamental or utility trees (fruit trees) from-taxation. The Bill was reported, with amendments. The Coal Mines Amendment Bill and the Military Pensions Bill, were introduced by Governor’s message, and read a first time. In reply to Mr Russell, Mr Massey said in connection with the Military Pensions Bill that the pension would be available to all who came along with the Maori War medal. The Coal Mines Bill was then read a second time pro forma. The House adjourned at 12.50 a.m.