HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Southland Times, Issue 14712, 3 August 1900, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Immediately the House met the BANK OF N.Z. OFFICERS' GUARANTEE AND PROVIDENT ASSOCIATION BILL I came under raview, the adoption of the report from the Private Bills Committee being moved by Mr Mills. This was ny t j by an amendment by Mr Millar, that the bill be referred back to the Committee. He protested -against rule 26, which prevented any appeal beyond the Bo rd of Management. These persons were naturally interested in the guarantee and provident funds, and it was unfair that th< if decision should be final. In the interests of the employes he mged tbat some independent tribunal, outside of the Board of Management of the Bank, should be appointed to review the decisions of the directors if deemed necessary. Ha moved thab the bill be referred back to the Committee with a view to providing for the matter bsing referred to arbitration where any employe considered he was suffering under any injustice. Members generally took this view, particularly the representees of Labour, and the Premier also threw his weight into tbe amendment as he wanted rules 32 and 33 (dealing witb retirement) further considered. It was urged too that when the Standing Orders were amended tbe procedure of private bills ought to be altered so tbat they might bo considered clause by olause in Committea of tha House in the same manner as public bills are. Eventually, after two hours' discussion, the amendment was negatived on the voices. Mr Fisher introduce 1 LIBEL BILL NO. 2, which is framed on the lines of the meamre which the Hon. J. McKenzie had b fore tbe House a few years ago. MIDLAND RAILWAY. The A to L Petitions Committee reported recommending that the petition of the Midland Railway debentura-holders be referred to the R iii way Committee. To this the Minister of Works moved an amendment that it be referred to the Public Accounts Committee. This having been carried by 38 to 25, it was resolved, on the Premier's motion, that the Public Acoounts Committee be allowed to cill for persons and papers. When the House resumed a message was received from his Excellency acknowledging receipt of the resolutions of condolei.ee passed with respect) to the death of King Humbert and tbe Duke of Edinburgh. The Auckland Harbour Board Bill was used as a vehicle to stave off the Elective Executive Bill, and the proceedings in Committee bordered on the farcical. Members plied Mr Napier, who was in charge of the measure, and Mr Witheford, who is chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, with all sorts of flippant questions, but the object in view was, of course, served. The bill, being a local one, was of little interest. It sives the Harbour Board power to bo. row £90,000 for providing accommodation for ber Majesty's war ships and the largest sbeamers afloat. The bill was eventually put through Commibbee.