HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10748, 12 September 1913, Page 5

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30, The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill, and the Aid to Public Works and Settlement Bill, which provides for raising a million and three-quarters, of which £600,000 is for construction of railways, £500,000 for additions to open lines, £500,000 for land settlement development and £150,000 for other public works, were introduced by Governor's message and read a first time. The report on the Hawkesbury Agricultural College by Mr E. Newman was laid on the table. After quoting from the report Mr Newman recommended the Government to authorise the establishment of an institution similar to Hawkesbury College. Mr SVilford dwelt upon the necessity of fertilising poor lands by artificial processes. He also urged cleanliness in connection with milking machines. Mr Guthrie held that the improvement of poor lands was essential to the well-being of the Dominion. Primary education on agricultural matters was also a matter of paramount importance. He was in full sympathy with the establishment of an institution similar tG the Hawkesbury College. Mr G. M. Thomson said it was obvious that Mr Newman bad kept his eyes open in Australia and had brought back information that would materially benefit the country. Mr Newman had suggested that agricultural schools should be under the control of the Agricultural Department, and not the Education Department. In that connection, however, he thought that both departments should be consulted for a time. He hoped the Ministry would do more in the way of providing cheap feitilisers for farmers.

Mr Ell contended that the major proposition was cheap transit, and that had been overlooked. Mr Buddo asked whether there was room for another Agricultural College in New Zealand. He advised caution in the matter of expenditure on such institutions. Mr Young said New Zealand could not spend too much money on the important subject of agri cultural education, agriculture being the country's staple industry. The House resumed at 7.30.

Mr Massey took occasion to congratulate the Opocsi'tion and Sir Joseph Ward on his selection as Leader of the Opposition. It was a coincidence that it was ten years ago that day that Mr SeJdon had congratulated him on being selected leader of t':e Opposition.. He hoped Sir Joseph "Ward would enjoy the pleasures and privileges as long as he himself had.

Sir Joseph Ward, who was applauded when he rose to replv, said he was not insensible to the fact that many men holding important positions in public life had held the position he now occupied. Ho was encouraged to discharge his duties by the excellent spirit in which his acceptance of the offer of the leaders!) ip had been received. He was conscious of the fact that the position lie now had was a very responsible one, also a very difficult one, and without forbearance and co-operation of those associated with him he could not hope to accomplish a very great deal. (Applause.) The Land Transfer Amendment Bill, and the Land Drainage Amend ment Bill were read a third time and passed. The House went into committee on the Land and Income Tax Bill. A few minor amendments were moved by the Minister and the Bill was then reported as amended, The Hon. Herdman moved the second reading of the Local Elections and Polls Amendment Bill. The second reading was carried without a division. The House adjourned at 11.25.