PARLIAMENT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 24 June 1926, Page 6

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By Telograpli—Press Association WELLINGTON, June 23. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. to-day. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. . Leave of absence for the icmainder of the session was granted to Sir F. D. Bell, Sir T. Mackenzie, Hons. \Y. 11. Trffigs and Dr. Collins, on account of pubfic business; also to the Hon. F Mander for six days, on account of sickness in his family, and to the Hon. H. L. Michel on account of urgent public business.

PIGEON SHOOTING. Tho Hon. G. M. Thomson gave notice to introduce the Captive Birds Shooting Prohibition Bill.

IMPREST SUPPLY. The Imprest Supply Bill was put through all stages and passed without discussion.

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF. In the course of discussion on the Local Authorities Empowering and Relief Unemployment Bill, the acting Leader, Sir 11. H. Rhodes, remarked that there was always unemployment at this time of the year and the Government thought it right to enable local bodies to borrow money without a noil of ratepayers. , .. Several Councillors suggested limitation of borrowing powers, but bn R H. Rhodes said they could rest assured that the Government would not encourage excessive jorrou ing, and would insist that the moneys ueie for the relief of unemployment. The Bill was passed.

DECEASED LEGISLATORS. Speeches of tribute to the memory of the late Hons, T. W. Hislop, J- P. Campbell, and W. J. Goddes were made, and the Council placed on record its sense of tho distinguished services of these gentlemen. The Council adjourned at 4.5 p.m. until 2.30 to-morrow.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The House met at 2.30 p.m.

SIR JAMES PARR, Mr P. Fraser (Wellington Central) asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been called to a statement made by Sir James Parr unincdiatelv on his arrival m London on the subject of the immigration group settlement scheme m AYostei'n Australia ; whether he had seen the contradiction issued by tne AgentGeneral for Western Australia; and whether, in view of the bad .impression created, he would undertake on behalf of Parliament and the people of New Zealand to instruct tho High Commissioner that all statements made by him. particularly those relysr- ’ lg to other Dominions and other countries, should be based on ascertained facts. , The Prime Minister replied that until Sir James Parr had intimated that the press reports of his interview wore substantially correct, the Government would be justified in saying that Sir Janies had not made a- statement A the manner in which it appeared. He knew Sir James Parr very well, and he thought Sir James was quite seized of the position he occupied. He also believed that Sir James Parr’s good judgment would be. of great assistance to him. Sir Janies Pair’s attitude was to preserve friendly relations with sister Dominions and not draw any comparisons that might be considered unwise. He would make inquiries, but lie felt sure that Sir James Parr had been misreported.

NATIONALISATION OF COAL MINES.

Mr H. E. Holland (Buffer) gave notice of intention to introduce the Nationalisation of Coal Mines Bill.

FIRST READINGS. Tho following Bills were introduced and rend a first time: The Summer Time Bill (Mr T. K. Sidey), the Dairy Produce Export Control Amendment Bill (Mr AA r . A. Amiteh), the AVellmgton City' Empowering ans Amendment Bill (Mr R. McKecn).

THE HEATH REPORT. The Prime Minister laid on the table of the House Sir Frank Heath’s report on scientific research as relative to New Zealand industries, and at Ills suggestion it was agreed that the House should have an opportunity to discuss the report at an early date. WESTERN SAMOA. Th Speaker read an address sent to Members of the House by the Fai Pules of Western Samoa, in which they expressed their loyalty to the British Crown and their _ gratification at New Zealand’s administration of their affairs. As material proof of that gratification, they forwarded to New Zealand members emblems of their Native Government. On the motion .of the Hon. W. Nosworthv, it was agreed that the address be printed. The Hon. E. P. Lee described New Zealand’s duties towards Samoa under the League of Nations mandates, and declared that no country had received higher commendation for its administration than had New Zealand from the League of Nations. The Leader of the Opposition discussed Samoan history at some length, and Mr G. W.. F,prbes .suggested that as there were now many new members in the House, another Parliamentary trio to Ramos should he arranged. Tho Prims Minister announced that ’•e did not propose to go on willi any further business tlmt afternoon, and lie moved that the House adjourn till v.pn. when the debate on the Address-in-Repl would he commenced.

The House rose at 3.40 p.m