PARLIAMENT.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 2 July 1924, Page 9

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By *1 elegraph — Press A ssociation. WELLINGTON, July 1. Naval Defence, the Imperial Conference, Preference, and otner subjects were dealt with by the opening speakers in the Address-in-Repiy debaie m the Legislative Council this aUernoon. The mover, s Sir Frederick Lang, stressed tiie importance of the Singapore base. He said its abandonment liad oeen a shock to its advocates. Dealing with the moratorium, lie said legislative protection should have been given at the time the boom was on. He commended the State Advances scheme, but thought that greater preference should be given to men with families. In conclusion, he praised the general administration of the Government, and remarked that New Zealand was* the best country to-day to live in. The seconder, the Hon. Mr Garland, regretted that the resolutions of, the imperial Conference had been set aside, ana hoped they would be given effect to later on. In regard to preference the Homeland should recognise that the Dominions were no longer in petticoats, and had a right to be hoard. He thought there should be nc extension of the moratorium beyond the end of this year, except in exceptional circumstances. Ample' tinie had been allowed for necessary financial arrangements to be made. He hoped the Railway Commission : would recommend the closing of blind lines, and the substitution of motor traction to link up with main routes. Mr Garland expressed himself sympathetically in regard to superannuation for nurses, and suggested that Hospital Boards should be empowered to levy a special rate for the purpose. The Hon. Sir J. Sinclair dealt chiefly with the preference ' question, remarking that never was there a time when the need was greater for the Dominions to stand close to the Motherland. The trade had declined by 30 per cent, since before.the war, and it must be restored. New' Zealand did not desire preference at- the expense of the Mother Country. It., wasa much greater problem for Britain than for us, and we should not press our claim until the Home authorities were thoroughly satisfied it would be satisfactory to them. The Dominions attitude was shown clearly in the Governor’s Speech. We were prepared to give further preference to the Old Country by. increasing the proportion of British workmanship in our imports. The speaker condemned the present system of the Imperial ■Conferences. There was growing recognition. voD its inadequacy. The whole machinery., of the system was defective, and" required overhauling. ' . The Council rose at 4.40, the debate being adjourned on the motion' of tho Hon. R. Moore. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at'2.3o p.m. > The Premier gave notice • of intention to introduce the following Rills Mortgages Final Extension; Local Bodies Amendment; Insurance Companies Deposit Amendment. ■ ' The Hon. C. J. Barr gave notice of intention to introduce the following Bills Copyright Amendment; -Police Force Amnedinent; Extradition Amend nient. The Hon. R. F. Bollard gave notice of intention to introduce the- Local Legislation Bill. Mr L. M. Isitt gave notice of intention to introduce the Religious Exercises in School Bill. , Repying to Mr J. de la Perelle, Mr Massey said the Government was alive to the” necessity for legislation to facilitate the raising of loans by local bodies under the Main Highways Act, and if members would only facilunue the work of the House by refraining from making long speeches the Government would bring the necessary legislation down with as little delay as possible. Replying to Mr H. E. Holland, Mr Massey said he proposed to give the House an opportunity to discuss , tho report of the Imperial Conference., A great deal of the discussion there, ..was necessarily confidential and would not bo published, but this did not apply to the Economic Conference, and he would ascertain whether a summary of the reports could be supplied to members before the debate came on. Replvmg to Mr T, M. Wilford, the Hon. j- G. Coates said the "matter of electrification of .several railways was now under consideration, and he proposed in a few days to make, a statement on the subject to the House. The scheme included electrification ot the Hutt and Lyttelton railways. Replying to the Hon. J. A. Ilanan, who asked if the Government was determined to pass this session a providing for electoral reform, and ir so would the Premier, as an earnest assurance to the House and country, that the introduction of the proposed legislation will not be delayed _ until late in the session, Mr Massey said tho passing oi r such a measure rested with Parliament-, not with the Government. The House would, however, have an opportunity of dealing with the electoral reform this session, and the Bill would not be regarded as a party ques-

tion. . , The following Bills were nitron uccct for the first time New Iffyinoutb Borough Council Empowering Bill (Mr (Smith) : Wanganui Borough Council, Special Rate Empowering and Enabling (Air Veitcli) ; New Plymouth Borough Council and New Plymouth Harbotu Board Exchange (Mr Smith). The Premier then moved the customary motions expressing high appreciation of the services of the following former members of the House, since deceased and of condolence with thensurviving relations; Dr A. P. Newman (Wellington), Mr Gilbert Carson CWaii'>anui). Mr John Stalworthy (Tvaiparn). Air John Duncan ( AYairan ). The late Mr Charles Lonisson (Christchurch 1. member of the Legislative Council, was also included in the Premier’s motions, which wove seconded bv Air Will'ord. Leader of Opiinsi j ion, and were supported by AH Holland, Leader of the Labour Party.-and bv other members, each of whom pan! touching tributes in the memories e? (lie deceased Parliamentarians. At 4.20 p.m. the House '•Jorrae-! til! 2.80 to-morrow, as a mark of respect to.the deceased members.