PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 97, 14 August 1914, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. [Pke Press Association. J Wellington, August 13. The Council met at d p.m. and rose at .10.-15 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 7.30 p.m. Leave was granted to Mr Davey to introduce the Christchurch Tramways District Bill, which was read a first time and referred to the Local Libs CommU tee. RELEASE OF STRIKE LEADERS. Mr Bradney brought up a report of the A to L Petitions Committee on petitions asking for the release of strike prisoners, recommending that the petitions bo referred to the Government for favorable consideration. Mr Bradney stated that the committee was unanimous in coming to the decision. WAR TELEGRAMS. The Premier read a telegram received by the Governor to the effect that war had broken out with AustriaHungary. Mr Massey remarked-that this news was nob altogether unexpected, and a proclamation would be issued that night regarding the departure of a contingent now on board steamers in the harbor. The Premier said he could not say when they would sail, but he did not think they would go to-morrow. That was tire most he could say at present. THE PATRIOTIC FUND, After reading the usual list of contributions to the patriotic fund, the Premier stated that within a few days the Government would have sufficient funds in hand to purchase all the horses required. RELIGIOUS BILLS. Ou the motion of the Premier, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland Empowering Bill was classified as a public Bill, and, ou the motion of Mr Bradney, it was introduced as such and read a first time.

A similar motion was moved regarding the Presbyterian Social Service Association Vesting Bill, but Mr Malcolm described the Bill as a most extraordinary one, and warned tbc House against accepting it as a public Bill. Mr Clark described the .Bill as a perfectly innocent one, and regretted the attitude taken by the member for Clutha.

A point of order was raised by Mr Malcolm that the Bill had not been properly reported on by the joint committees on the Bill, and on this point further consideration of the Bill was deferred. DISAPPOINTED RAILWAY EMPLOYEES. In reply to Air Russell, who inquired into the position of a number of railway employees who come to Wellington to enlist, in the contingent, but had been rejected. Air Allen said it was considered advisable to enlist a company of 250 specially-trained men from tho Railway Corps. The men had been selected by Mr Hiley, but the men referred to by Mr Russell had not boon selected. He understood they had come away without leave and broken orders. Personally, lie was sorry they could put in their applications in the ordinary way and got away later. Discussing similar requests from Territorials on the West Coast. Air Allen stated that it was contemplated strengthening the defences at Westport.

Speaking on the question, Mr Ilerries said -as Minister of Railways he had nothing to do with the management of the Railway Corps, which was under Colonel Hiley, who was controlled by the Minister for Defence. The railway servants serving with the colors would receive half pay in addition to war pay, and if physically lit they would he reinstated on their return. He would make inquiries into the position of the. men mentioned by Mr Russell and report to the House to-mor-row. WAR EMERGENCY MEASURES. Mr Herdman introduced an amendment to the Mortgage Extension Bill, protecting savings banks and onihhng societies.

Sir Joseph Ward generally approved of the amendments, hut suggested that the policy holders of life assurance associations would also have some protection for a limited time. Industrial policies should be kept alive. The Hon. Herdman, in reply said it was impossible in framing an original measure of this kind to include all cases that might he deemed worthy of assistance. The Government had endeavoured to take a broad view ci the matter, ami if necessary the Bill would he further amended from time to time. , The amendments were agreed f o. The Local Bodies Indemnity Bill was introduced by Governor’s Message and road a first time. The Bill validates payments by local bodies to the patriotic fund. FUTURE BUSINESS. Sir Joseph Ward asked the Premier if ho would state what course he proposed to adopt with regard to the business of the House. Mr Massey said there were one or two Bills necessitated by the war which must bo passed. These ho would ash the House to consider to-morrow. After that ho proposed to ask the House to adjourn until Tuesday week. After that lie proposed to go on with the business of the country. The Estimates had to he got out of the way. A Loan Bill would also have to be dealt with, besides other important matters, such as the Education Bill. Sir Joseph Ward said ho did not consider the proposed adjournment long enough. The necessary legislation must he facilitated by the Opposition, but they were not in a position to give the requisite attention to other measures. The country was not think-

ling of party politics. The times were abnormal. He did not think the proposed adjournment long enough to allow matters to get back into a normal condition. Mr Massey said he would consider a proposal to extend the length of the adjournment, as ho realised that a week was too short to enable some members to get homo and back again. LOCAL BILLS. The House proceeded to the consideration of local Bills, The Whangarei Harbor Board Empowering Bill and the Dunedin CityCouncil Empowering Bili ware read a second time. The House rose at 9.24 p.m.