PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 16, 5 September 1914, Page 7

PARLIAMENT.

Legislative council. [Psk Pbmi ASSOCIATION, j Wellington, September 4. The Council met at 2.30. The Whangarei Harbor, Presbyterian Church Property, and Methodist Church Trust Bills were reported from committee without amendment. The Expeditionary Forces Voting Bill passed through all stages without amendment, and the third reading was carried by 14 to 11. The Dunedin City Empowering and the Onehunga Council Enabling Bills were read a first time. The River Boards Amendment Bill was reported from committee with technical amendments. The Council rose at 4 p.m. The Council resumed at 8.30, and received the concurrence of the House in the amendment made in the Expeditionary Forces Voting Bill. The Council adjourned till Tuesday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 7.30 p.m. THE ESTIMATES. The House went into Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates. Legislative and finance departments were passed practically without discussion. When the Justice Department was under consideration, a discussion took place on the appointment of Justices of the Peace. Hon. Herdman said his invariable practice was to send on the names of those recommended for appointment to the local stipendiary magistrate and police, and if they received the endorsement of these public officials, they were appointed, no matter by whom nominated. Political color had nothing to do with it.

On the subject of German patents in New Zealand, Mr Herdman said he had cabled Home to ask the Imperial authorities what steps they were taking in Great Britain, and if they thought it desirable that similar legislation would he passed here. He declined to express an opinion as to whether or not persons in the inebriates’ home at Pakatoa should have a vote. He pointed out that the people there were not criminals.

After the supper adjournment the Estimates for public buildings, maintenance of roads and domains, and the Department of Internal Affairs were passed. The discussion on the latter centred round the question of enrolling electors and the printing of the rolls. At 11.35 p.m. progress was reported on the Estimates, and the House rose at 11.39 p. m. The Speaker announced that members had been invited to inspect the troopships in the harbor on Tuesday morning, after which the shipping companies would entertain them at lunch. The Minister for Defence announced that tho elections under the Expeditionary Forces Voting Acfc would take place in the four concentration camps to-day.