THE SESSION

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 82, 11 August 1923, Page 5

THE SESSION

FORECAST OF LEGISLATION, FORTNIGHT LONGER. Per Press Association Wellington, August 10. The duration of the present session of Parliament was referred to by the Premier in the House to-day. Mr Massey said it was possible to give am exact statement of the important business proposed to be brought before the House. Speaking for himself finance, of course, came first. There was a Bill before the House now providing for the consolidation of the land and income tax law. A Finance Bill was to come down and a’so one dealing with sinking funds, but he did not see any prospect of going on with the latter measure, which deals with ways and means. A Gaming Bill would ho gone on with, as promises had been g'ven to that effect. The Dairy Produce Control Bill was one that must bo put through, and the Legislature Amendment Bill and licensing legislation wovdd he introduced and the House could do as it desired with these. The financial measures were, of course, the really urgent ones. The Public Works Estimates and the Washing-up Bill were among other important matters to he dealt with. 'Hie Prime Minister saw no reason why. with reasonable application to work, the House should not get through the session in a fortnight. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, August 10. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m, 1 , Mr R. A. Wright (Wellington Suburbs) gave notice of big intention to ask if the Government, would give <lu opportunity fo r a short, discussion on the 'advisability of Parliament meeting in the first week in. May in- ? stead of the.end of July, as is customary at. present. He also gave notice to a question relative to railway crossings, desiring ,to know if,

in view of the increasing number accidents, the department h would hurry on the construction of overhead bridges or subterranean ways, by contract if ne'es -ary Replying to Mr J. McC Dickson (Chalmers), the Minister for Railways said he would be glad to inquire into the position on the flooded areas of the Tarieri district and If necessary assistance would be given in carrying food by rail for the "use

of starving stock, fig was done in tho Central Otago area affected by snow> falls. j Replying to criticisms of tho work of the Prisons Department, the Minster, for Justic ! q ;il Kaid J,he .controller of prisons noted with apprehension an increase in juvenile crime. There was scope for work by social welfare societies in this connection They were already doing good service, hut there was need for the co-ordination of such services. The value of the work done by prisoners last year was £96,000 and £46,000 in cash wag received, largely foi crushed metal from quarries. The sum of £5.000 was paid last year to wives and children of prisoners. The report of the department was tabled. THE ESTIMATES.

The House went into committee of supply on the vote for the Justice Department (£45,882). The Minister, replying to criticisms, agreed that magistrates v.e r e entitled, in view of the valuab!e character of their work, to receive the highest possible salaries and the most liberal superannuation treatment. Tlie Minister recognised the nriionpy- of tho position of women deserted by their husbands. There was already a maintenance officer it work, but his powers were not Quite sufficient to meet all ca-es, and steps w ere being taken to meet the requirements. The vote was passed without amendment. The vote for Supreme and Magistrate’s Courts (£93,739) and Prisons Department cote (£78,931) were j passed. | The Audit Department (€19981), ! Public Service Commissioner's Office ■(£7810), and the Printing and Stationery Department (£190,680) were > passed.

LAT£ SiTTiNC Wellington. Augnist 11. -After the Telegraph Office closed, the House passed the Mental Hospital vote of £291,036. j On the vote for the Public Health [Department (£243,068), the Minister stated it was not propoed to reduce 1 the Plunket Nursing Society’s suh- | sidy, but to increase it. The vote j passed and the House rose at 3 a.m. 'nrfif 2.30 on 'Monday.