PARLIAMENT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 163, 15 August 1914, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. [Abridged Press Association Report.] WELLINGTON, August 14. The Council met at 8 p.m. THIS EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. The Hon. F. H. D. Bell made a statement to the Council. He said that until after 2 p.m. that day no instructions had been received from the Im : peri.il authorities, and there was no reason to believe the advance section of the Expeditionary Force would be dispatched immediately. They were informed what to do that afternoon, and immediately instructions were issued to send the- men to the Basin Reserve. He had nothing to say as to the destination, but he believed, within reasonable risks, the expedition would be safeguarded. They had said farewell to the first 1400 men. God save the King! • The Council then adjourned until the ringing of the bell. On resuming, the Council dealt with the Trusts Amendment and War Contributions Validation Bills, and passjed the measures through all stages without amendment. The Council then adjourned until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26.

THE HOUSE. BILLS DEALT. WITH. CIIRISTCHURCH TRAMWAYS BILL. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 14. The Christchurch Tramways District Bill was brought before the House two days after the usual date for the introduction of Local Bills. On the motion of Mr T. H. Davey (Christchurch East) the Standing Order dealing with the question was suspended in order to allow the Bill to be proceeded with.

The Trustees Amendment Bill was introduced. The Hon. A. L. Herdman explained that the Bill was for safeguarding persons who deposited trust moneys with building societies, investment companies, and private savings banks. The measure was necessary because of recent legislation such as the Mortgages Extension Bill. The Bill was put through all its stages. A VALIDATING BILL. The War Contribution Validating Bill (Hon. Mr Allen) which validates local authorities contributing to tha» Empire Defence Fund, was v put through all its stages.

STRIKERS RELEASED. SIX PRISONERS FREED. WELLINGTON, August- 14. i An important .announcement-, was! made in the House, of - Representatives,; this evening, when Mr H. Atmore asked whether the Government, in view of the fact that the Home Government had. released prisoners who were sentenced for strike, offences, would consider the advisability of ■ releasing prisoners in the Dominion who had.been arrested as the result of the late strike. The Minister of Justice (Holt. A. L. Herdman), in reply, stated that the position had 1 : already. considered by! Cabinet, and the Government had decided, after consulting his Honour the; Chief, Justice,, that of the ten prisoners who were at'.:prdsfcnt in gaol, for offences arising out of the would have their sentences remitted.: Those who would be released at the. ordinary date of the expiry of their sentences were as follow:—William Henry Lawton, September 13; Max Wolfe, November; Charles Frederick Beaumont, August 25; Thomas Ackland, November 2; Henry Holland, November. 22; Karl Johnston, September 25. Of the four who were remaining in prison, said the Minister, three had previous convictions, one had eight and another thirteen, and it was thought in those cases that they should remain where they were. In the other, cases his Excellency the Governor would be advised to remit the sentences on the following day. (Applause).,

FOR THE WAR.

A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT. WELLINGTON, August 14. The House of Representatives held a short sitting this evening", and transacted a certain amount of routine and urgent business preparatory to an adjournment of twelve days. Mr W. H. D. Bell, member for Wellington Suburbs, was granted leave of absence for the rest of the session, owing to his having joined the Expeditionary Force. Mr Bell has been appointed to the staff of the advance guard, with the rank of captain.