PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 15, 2 September 1911, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, September 1. *• Tho Blouse met at 2.130 p.m. THE OTAHUHU HERO. Tho report of the Petitions Committee on uic petition of *.lO late Mr. Claude (who prevented a disastrous railway smash at Ofcahuhu) for compassionate allowance was recommended for tnc favourable consideration of tho Government. Several members urged the Ministry to seriously and favourably consider tho petition. Tiie Hon. Mr. Miilar said lie did not wish to detract from tlie late Mr Claude's action, but he maintained that the collision would not have taken place had Claude not been there. The engine-driver of the express pulled his train up ,on seeing the tnree tail lights of the runaway approaching. The Government, in paying £SO to Mr. Claude had, in his opinion, paid sufficiently for what Mr. Claude uad dome. There was not a tittle of evidence in support of the contention chat Mr.. Claude’s action on that night was responsible for his death. Ho pointed out that the poop-re or Auckland had done nothing for Mr. Claude. Mr. Massey held that Mr. Claude had not been paid enough for his action. In his opinion Mr. Claude saved a collision, lie hoped the Government would make the necessary provision for the widow and chil.'rcn 01 an undoubtedly brave man. With reference to the Aiickwma people’s action, they felt it was tlie duty of the Government to take tlie matter up. Mr. Hogan said the committee recognised that the late Mr. Claude had done a noble act. The committee wished to place tlie widow on a better footing than she was at present. If any doubt existed as to whether Mr. Claude had saved tlie train, lie should bo given tho benefit of the doubt. PURE SEEDS. The Sale of Poisons Bill (Hon. G. Fowlds) and the Seeds Sale Control, Bill (Hon. T. Mackenzie) were read a second time pro forma and referred to the Agricultural Committee. Mr. Massey hoped the passage of the measures would not be hurried through tiic House. A number of people wanted to give evidence before the Agricultural Committee, especially regarding the latter Bill. Hon. T. Mackenzie said there would bo no undue hurry, and every opportunity would bo given to those desirous of giving evidence.' The Hon. J. A. Millar moved the second reading of the H’utb Railway and Road Improvement Amendment Bill, allocating the cost of the formation of tho road amongst the local bodies. Members- representing tho districts wherein the local bodies concerned were situated voiced their objection to the Bill, declaring tho work to be a national one. The Hoilso adjourned at 5.30 p.m. In the House this evening the debate on the second reading of the Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Bill was resumed, and the second reading was agreed to. The Hon. D. Buddo moved the second reading of the Hauraki Plains Amendment Bill. Mr. Massey said that settlers had experienced difficulty in getting advances from the Advances to Settlors Department.. They had been informed that the drainage operations were in tho nature of an experiment, and it mutet be seen how the experiment ..operated .before advances were made. Ho objected to the proceeds of sales of land on the plains being paid into tho Consolidated Fund as revenue. Messrs. Poland, Taylor, and Greenslade applauded the principle of tho Bill. Mr. Jennings approved the Bill, and advocated advances to settlers on the plain*. , , The Hon. D. Buddo, in.his reply,) said, tho Bill had been circulated amongst the settlers on the plains, and tiie Government officer there had informed him that the settlers had made no protest against being rated. The land was of good quality, and would give excellent results. The striking of a rate for the maintenance of the drains was expected by the settlers. In three years’ time the maintenance of the drains was expected by the settlors. In three years’ time tlie land would be in profitable occupation, arid he hoped the plains would bo linked up with the railway system in tho near future. The Bill was read a second time. The Kaikoura Hospital Site Bill, to provide a site for a cottage hospital, was read a second time. The House adjourned at 11.40 p.m.