PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1920, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,

COUNCIL BILL POSTPONED. J3y Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p-m. Sir Francis Bell (Leader of the Council) tabled the sheep returns, pointing out that the number of sheep in New Zealand, aa compared with the previous year, showed a decreaso of 2,000,000. An Imprest Supply Bill (No. 4) was received from the House, and was put through all stages and passed. When tlje adjourned debate upon the Legislative Council Amendment Bill was called on, Sir Francis Bell made a statement, in which he said the Prime Minister had satisfied himself it was im possible to bring the matter before the House this session in time to give an opportunity for the full consideration which he had promised. Sir Francis Bell added that he therefore proposed to add a new clause to the amending Bill. This new clause provides that notwithstanding the proclamation issued last January, the Legislative Act, 1914, shall not commence on tho date appointed thferein. The date for commencement will be appointed by a further proclamation. . Tho debate was further adjourned until to-morrow.

Further consideration of 'the Post and Telegraph Amendment Bill in committee was adjourned until to-morrow.

The Council rose at 3.3 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. TEACHERS' INCREASED PAY. The House o| Representatives met at' 2.30 p.m. Replying to Mr. R. McCallum (Wairau), the Hon. C. J. Parr said a scheme for the distribution of increments to teachers' pay was now before the New Zealand Teachers' Institute. After the Department received suggestions from the Institute there would be no delay in the distribution of the money. The Department was prepared to pay now, but it >vas thought better to consvlt the Institute.

Difficulty in regard to distribution was a fact. It had /to be distributed amongst nine Education Boards, who were entrusted with the allocation. This allocation would be governed by regulations now being prepared, and these would be so extensive as to occupy the whole of one number, of the Cazuttc. It was not possible to pay out the money with the September payments; this could not be done before tho end'of October. The payments were, however, retrospective from April 1, so teachers would not suffer materially by the delay. SULPHUR DEPOSITS.

Replying to Mr. F. F. Hoekly (Rotorua), Mr. Massey said he had heard of important sulphur deposi.ts at Rotorua and Taupo, and he would look into the departmental reports with a view to taking steps to secure their development, if that course was desirable. IMMIGRANTS' COMPLAINTS. Replying to Mr. G. Witty (Riccarton), the Hon. W. Nosworthy said he would inquire into complaints made by immigrants coming into the Dominion with a view to seeing whether the complaints were justified, and if so, he would see whether matters could be improved. THE BY,ELECTION. Replyihg to Mr. T. M. Wilford (Leader of the Opposition), Mr. Massey said he thought that if there had been any difficulty in getting ballot boxes to thflir destinations for the Bay of Plenty election he would have heard of it. He \vould consult the Electoral Departmentoil thfe subject.

j TIMBER SENT AWAY

Replying to Dr. H. T. Thacker (Christchurch East), Mr. Massey said Cabinet would look into the question of the export of red pine from the West Coast to Australia. If necessary, the export would be stopped, as the timber was wanted in the Dominion. Dr. Thacker: It is the crux of the housing problem. MARRIAGE AMENDMENT BILL. The Hon: E, P. f Lee gave notice of his intention to move to set up a Select Committee to which should be referred the Marriage Amendment Bill, the committee to consist of Messrs. Anderson, Forbes, Harris,, Hudson, Massey, Poland, Savage, Sidey, Stewart, Wright, and the) mover. THE HOSPITALS BILL, The House resumed the interrupted debate on the question that the report of the Public Health Committee on the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Bill be referred hack to the committee, On a division, the report wis not referred back by 37 votes to IS. and*the report was laid on the table. NEW- MEASURES. The House went into committee to consider the drafts of the Valuation of Land ■ Amendment Bill, the Electric Power Boards Bill, and the Arms Bill, introduced by Governor's message. The fast-named contained an amendment to the clause relating to the payment of compensation for arms surrendered byowners. The amendment to the Arms Bill was agreed to, and on the House resuming the Valuation Bill and the Power Boards Bill were read a first time. The House rose at 12.26 a.m.