PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 42, 6 October 1914, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [Per Press Association.! 'Wellington, October 5. The House met at 7.30 p.m. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. In reply to Mr Russell, the Premier said he had been in communication with the chairman of the Foods Commission, and ho expected that the members of the millers’ deputation would be able to give evidence. Evidence would also probably be taken at Christchurch. Dealing with the purchase of flour in America, he had received quotations of £ls 16s 6d, c.i.f., and £l3 16s f.o.b. Vancouver. In reply to Mr McCallum, the Minister for Defence said that all the ships had been medically examined, and only one vessel ..id been found defective. This would be remedied. In reply to Mr Russell, the Premier stated that he had received an important cable from the Imp vial authorities largely of a confidential nature, but he did not consider it serious. He took it to mean that important movement at the front, owing to the development at the front, restriction would be placed upon the publication of war news not only in New Zealand but throughout the Empire. A copy of the cable was being sent to all editors. Just before the supper adjournment, Mr Massey said he had re-read the cable received from the Imperial Government, and had come to the conclusion that it only applied to the movements of the British troops, including the expeditionary force, and not to the publication of war news generally as he had at first supposed. SECOND REARING. The Premier moved the second reading of the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amendment Bill, which gave powers for expenditure of £30,000 upon drainage and reading. He said he did not anticipate any difficulty in carrying on public works, notwithstanding the war crisis, and the finance for this work was assured. The second reading then passed. , The Premier moved the second reading of the Hauraki Plains Ameiuiment Bill, which was similar to the previous measure, £25,000 being asked for to complete drainage woiks. In reply to criticism, Mr Massey said he would have an amendment mate in the law to enable settlets to obtain relief from rates, subject to the approval of the Government. He promised that a report should be made on Lakes Grassmere and Whakakei.

Mr Allen moved tlie second reading of the Education Reserves Bill, which he said was purely a machinery one. The second reading was carried after a brief debate. * The River Boards Amendment Bill was read a second time pro forma, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The House rose at 11.5 p.m.