PARLIAMENT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11931, 29 October 1919, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The House met at 2.30.

Replying to Mr Witty, the Premier said he did rot believe there was any restriction placed on soldiers selling produce from seed supplied by the Government without permit, tut he would make inquiry. In reply to a question, Mr Massey said the Railway Commission’s report was now before Cabinet. Replying to Mr Field (Otaki), Sir James Allen said shelters were being prepared at their own homes for consumptive cases for whom nothing more can be done at a sanatorium. Other shelters were being set up at hospitals nearest their own homos. He "was under the impression that all casse under treatment at Te Waikato had been removed to Waipukuran; if not, they would be removed at; the earliest possible moment.

Replying to Mr Parr, the Hon. Nosworthy said officers of the Agricultural Department were now in America studying up-to-date methods of fruit growing, and nothing would be done in the direction of establishing experimental fruit farms in the North Auckland district until they returned—probably in a few months. Replying to Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Massey said the High Commissioner had signified his intention to accept an extension of his term of office till February next. No appointment would or could be made t-. Gil February. Repljung to Mr Field (Otak : Mr Massey said there was no tru;a in. the statement that the Government had been offered a loan last year in England to purchase a line of steamers to trade between the Old Country and New Zealand. Sir Joseph Ward asked Mr Massey if he thought it was a fair tiling that a Minister of the Grown should be absent from his place in Parliament during the last week in the session, making statements about him (Sir Joseph Ward) which he was unable to answer because his duty kept him in his place in the House. Pers' 'ially, he regarded the proceedin. ! as most unfair.

Mr Massey said he could remember many instances in past years when. Ministers left their places in Parliament to make electioneering speeches. Sir Joseph Ward : During the last week of the session?

Mr Massey replied that he could not say whether it was during the last week of the session or not, but it had been done on many occasions. However, the Minister of Internal Affairs would be back in his place in the House to-night, when no doubt he would be able to give the Right Hon. gentleman a satisfactory reply. Sir Joseph Ward said that was not a reply to his "question at all. On Mr Massey’s motion, the Maori Representation Bill was introduced and read a first time.

The Statutes Repeal and Expiring Laws Continuance Bill was introduced by Governor’s Message and, read a first time.

The Railways Authorisation Bill passed its second reading. During the discussion members urged the deviation of the Wairarapa railway via Wainui-o mata, and the Main Trunk by way of the beach via Paikakariki.

The Companies Bill passed all stages. * The amendments in the Counties Amendment Bill were agreed to.