PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 93, 10 August 1914, Page 8

PARLIAMENT.

SATURDAY’S PROCEEDINGS. Wellington, August 8. On the House resuming at 7.30 p.m., Mr Massey stated that, he had news] regarding the war in the u&innry sense. Such news as had come to him had always tome in advance through the Press' Association. He did not blame the High Commissioner for the absence of official news in any way. He was able to announce through the Press Association that Norway would defend its neutrality, and that Holland had decared war against Germany, it had been said that he had not taken the Leader of the Opposition into his confidence, but he pointed out that the position was that all advice and instructions came through the Governor, There had been direct instructions to the Governor to take no one into his confidence but the Prime Minister, and on other occasions only the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence. No discourtesy was intended to the Leader of the Opposition. An important Bill would be presented by the Finance Committee on Monday. It was suggested that Parliament should adjourn for a few days, and he would meet this wish if possible. The Premier read a list of spontaneous offers towards the exopditiouary force fund, which evoked loud cheers. As the Premier expressed his thanks for the same, Sir Joseph Ward said it made one feel proud that he was a New Zealander to see such a magnificent response to the country’s call. Continuing, Mr Massey said that so desirous was he that the party spirit should be dropped, that he had given his party organisers instructions to cease organising until further notice. Sir Joseph Ward stated that he had adopted a similar course, and had stopped the publication of the party journal. Mr Russell suggested that the Leader of the Opposition might be more closely associated with the Government during the present crisis, as he felt sure his large experience woidd bo most valuable under the circumstances. Mr Massey said he was doing that so far as possible. It was not possible for him to invite anyone, not a Cabinet Minister, to Cabinet meetings. The House then proceeded to consider the Mortgage Extension Bill, the ;ocond reading of which was moved by Mr Herdman. He. explained that the provisions of the Bill was limited to mortgages which were extended during the war crisis unlesss otherwise ordered by the Supreme Court. The second reading was carried without debate. •Air Massey moved the second reading of the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Bill. With regard to the clause dealing with industrial awards and the Factories Act, it was made quite plain that nothing would be done to bring about a reduction of wages. All that was aimed at was to provide that men might bo employed for, say, three days a week, instead of not at all. Mr McCombs said he was satisfied with the provision made in the Bill. Speaking briefly in reply, Mr Massey said it must be understood that the provisions of the Bill would only apply in war time. The second reading was carried. The House then went into committee upon the Mortgages Extension Bill, which was reported with minor amendments moved by the Minister, and the third reading was carried. Upon the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Bill, a new clause was inserted, on the motion of the Premier, protecting the minimum wage in the event of the suspension of an industrial award. The Bill was reported, read a third time, and passed. Mr 'Massey said, before moving tbe Adjournment of the House, that he had been asked by his Excellency to read i telegram just received, which proved to be a summary of Air Asquith’s speech in the House of Commons (already cabled), when asking for a credit of one hundred millions, and an addition of five hundred thousand men to the army. The reading concluded amidst applause, and Sir Joseph Ward ■oferred sympathetically to the “flue words” used by the British Premier, in a high-toned speech on an historic occasion. Mr Massey said he deeply appreciated the reference to the assistance rendered by the overseas Dominions, and although not desiring to boast, ho was strongly of opinion that the fir?t contingent to be sent away from any Dominion would be from the shores of New Zealand. (Cheers). Air Alassey also read the latest war intelligence received from the Pre-is Association, which was heard with applause. Sir Joseph Ward commented on the unreliability of much of the news -o* ceived, and asked if some means con’d nof be devised by which more accurate intelligence could be obtained. Mr Alassey said he had been endeavoring to do as Sir Joseph suggested. Ho would try again. The House adjourned at 9.35 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. on Monday.