PARLIAMENT

Thames Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 18384, 4 July 1917, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

WELLINGTON, July 4,

The House of: Representatives met at 4 2.30 p.m. yesterday. ,',' J^-i Mr J. Vernon Reed, Bay of Island^! took the oath and bis seat. \

Further petitions praying for the eaily closing of hotel bars were presented by various members. ,

In to Mr Parr, the Prime Mm- 1 ister stated that his attention had been drawn to the fact that there are two ships in New Zealand waters which were to be sent to Australia to loau. He hud communicated with the authoritiea iv London asking that' these ships bo loaded with frozen meat before leaving New Zealand waters.

Replying to Mr McCaJlum, the Hon. G. W. Russell said the Revocation of Naturalisation Bill did not. contemplate the cancellation of the naturalisation of persons in countries of the Allies.

Replying to Mr Witty, Mr W. D. S. Mac Donald said there had been no negotiations between the syndicate and the Government for the purchase of the Slate coal mine. The output of the mine this year was a record. Except for one year the net profit was £18,527, against £2,500 for last year.

The following bills were .introduced and read a first time: Foxtoh Harbour Board Amendment Bill, Mr W. H. Field; Tauramga Harbour and Foreshore Vesting Bill, Hon. Mr Henries; Contractors Relief Bill, Hon. Mr Herdnmn. The Expiring Laws and Continuance Bill was introduced by Governor's Message and read a first time.

The remainder of the sitting was occupied by statements by Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward concerning their visit to Britain, in which they described their efforts to promote the commercial and financial interests of the Dominion.

The shipping space problem was Sealb with. They gave a most encouraging account of New Zealand soldiers who* were seen at. tlie front, in camps, and in hospitals. They regarded the War Conference as a great step in advance ;so Tar ss Dominion representation in Imperial affairs was concerned, but; Sir Joseph. Ward saul he did not regard representation at Imperial Conferences as a compliment to the Dominions, but that the Dominions must take their share of Imperial responsibilities, not as ai compliment, but as a right. Sir Joseph Ward also announced that he had arranged to extend our ehort dated war loans for 30 years, paying no brokerage and thereby saving the country £40,000.

Ait the suggestion of members tl\e Premier agreed to take a discussion on the statement to-morrow. ,

The Hf.use rese at 10 p.m.—Press Aseoeiatton '