PARLIAMENT

Southland Times, Issue 17763, 23 September 1914, Page 6

PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

(Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 22. The House met at 2.30 p.m. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. In reply to Mr Herries, the Premier said that he had not heard that the liquor party was circulating mock ballot papers through some of the concentration camps, if such was being done it was a ipost Improper thing. In reply to Mr Anderson, the Hon. M r Massey said that the Government xvas negotiating for a supply of sufficient vessels to carry on overseas trade. In reply to Sir Joseph Ward, die Hon. Mr Fraser said that he would circulate a Bill prepared in accordance with the recommendation of the Mines Commission. in reply to Mr Reed, the Hon. Mr Massey sail] that every native district would send a quota with th© Expeditionary Force, in accordance with its population. The X J remier intimated that the official send-off to the troops from the various centres would take place on Thursday next, and he proposed to ask Parliament to adjourn on that occasion. A motion that Wednesday be taken up by Government business was carried. WAR RISKS BILL. Tine Hon. Mr HEKDMAN moved the second reading of the War Risk Insurance Bill. Sir JOSEPH WARD said that th© Government did not. know what the position was in connection with .war risks. Mr 11. POLAND complained that mining companies were seriously handicapped by the prohibited gold export. Mr A. M. MYERS welcomed the Bill as a. useful protection to the small shippers. Mr G. W. RUSSELL said that the Bill was only another illustration of the ineompete.ncy of the Government to deal with a large question when it arose. The proposal was absolutely ludicrous. Tho Government should have made an effort to become the agent of the Imperial authorities in the dominion. The Hon. Mr HERD MAN, in reply, said that the speech just made by the member for Avon was one of the most bitter, vindictive and malevolent that he had. ever heard. It was his personal opinion that in tho innermost recesses of his heagt Hie member for Avon would rather see Europe over-run by Germans than that tho Government should remain in office. Mr RUSSELL moved that those words be taken down. The PREMIER, who hurriedly came into the House, said that the words had not been ruled out of order by the Speaker, and be coudd do no more than move that no further action be taken, Mr RUSSELL said that tho words were amongst fh© most blackguardly he ever recalled—-(cries of “Order.” and “Withdraw tho. words.”) Continuing he sa(d that the expreAsion was a. foul one. cast upon his loyalty, and therefore a grave reflection upon him and his children. He would be satisfied with nothing loss than the withdrawal of tho words. Mr MYERS urged that the words should be withdrawn by the Minister, and the incident allowed to close. Mr G. W. FORBES remarked that it ill became the Premier to sit and smile wiiile a member of his Government used such unwarranted language towards a member of the House. The Hon. D. BUD DO was proceeding to address the House in a similar strain when the House rose for the dinner adjourn men t,

THE EVENING SESSION. EXPORT FACILITIES. On the House resuming at 7.30 p.m. tire Hon. Mr Massey pointed out that there would be ample export facilities up to December 31 . He had advice from London that there would be sufficient ships to carry our produce trp to Christmas. (He also suggested that the press should make no reference to the movements of the Expeditionary Force. He hoped members of the House would also observe this rule. THE AFTERNOON'S INCIDENT. Touching on the quarrel in the afternoon, he suggested that both members should withdraw what they had said. Sir Joseph WARD argued that it would be wise for the Attorney-General to withdraw what he had said,. The Hon. Mr HERDMAN then withdrew the words. Mr RUSSELL freely and willingly accepted the honourable and manly withdrawal of the words and the incident closed. Sir Joseph WARD asked for train arrangements to be made for country people to attend the farewell of the troops. The Hon. Mr MASSEY in reply said that the railway department appeared to want two days' notice, but he would place the matter before the Minister of Railways. The War Risks Bill .was then read a second time. As a matter of urgency the Bill was put through committee without amendment and read a third time and passed. NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND. The National Provident Fund Amendment Bill was taken in committee. In the course of the discussion Mr McCombs said that the Bill seriously wanted re-casting. Air Veitch also took objection to the provisions of the Bill as they applied to workers. in reply the Minister said that the machinery of the Bill made the co/jrsc to he pursued quite plain, but there were necessarily differences amongst individual cases. At 1C.30 p.m. the F.ill passed its committee stage with machinery amendments moved by the Minister. FIRE BRIGADES BILL. The House then went into committee on (he Fire Brigades Amendment Bill, which was passed wilhoul material amendment. PRIVATE MEMBERS' BILLS. The Hon. J. ALLEN announced that Mr Hunter's Gaming Amendment Bill and Mr Wilford's Factor!-s Art Amendment Bill would, accordd; • to promise.be given preference 1 o-■ p< .r: ow. The House adjourned at Be.Mi p.m.