HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9302, 31 July 1908, Page 1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thubsdat, July 30, AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. BILLS. The following Bills were introduced ind read a first time:—Marriage Apt Amendment Bill (Sir Williajn Steward), Hutt Valley Tramway District Bill (Mr Wilford), Gonville and Castlecliff Ti>mleay District ~iil (Mr Hogan). The Minister of Lands laid oil the table papers relating to a certain land transaction in the city of Wellington between the Government, the City Council and the firm of Kennedy Maodonald and Co., Limited. / Mr Fisher, at whose , instance the toapers wore presented, 1 said that this transaction revealed an extraordinary potation. The Government had been hoodwinked- Unwittingly it had comjnifcted a breach of the Land Act in BBUihg Crown lands to a private individual without competition. Moreover, iii regard to the exchange of land, the Government had been misled as to the nature of the exchange, and had been ted td sell land at £100 per perch to Mr Macdohald, who had refused £420 per perch for the Game land. ■*•*•" f Mr Massey said that if the facts were *s stated by the member for Wellington, evidence of criminal negligence was disclosed, and a shady transaction had taken place. There should be a full inquiry by the House. If anything Irregular had occurred it must be put right, even if an Act were required to do so. The Prime Minister said he felt that the matter should be referred to a committee. The Government courted the fullest inquiry. It had only done what according to its lights was right and (honourable. If anything wrong had occurred, the Government possessed power to put it right. Neither the Mayor nor Mr Maodonald had spoken to him on the matter. He suggested that the matter should be referred to the Lands Committee, which should commence an inquiry tomorrow, and report as quickly as possible to the Bouse. The Hon R. M'Nab read the whole of the correspondence. He remarked that the problem was complicated, and moved in the direction suggested by the Prime Minister. The motion wee agreed to. WESTPORT HARBOUR. Mr Colvin moved the second reading if the Westport Harbour' Board Loan Bill, for raising £200,000 for harbour intension purposes. Mr Laurenson protested against local bodies going in for such large loans. The second reading was agreed to fen the voices. CHRISTCHURCH SANITATION. The Christchnrch City Sanitation Empowering Bill (Mr Gray) was read a second time without debate. v TOWN DISTRICTS. Mr Ell moved the second reading of the Town Districts Act Amendment bill. The object of the Bill is to make the qualifications of an elector those prescribed by the Municipal Corporations Act, 1900, and also make the conduct of elections come under the provisions of the Local Elections Act, 1904.

The second reading was agreed to. ' SECOND READINGS.

The Local Elections Act Amendment pill (Sir William Steward), Lamps on Vehicles Bill (Mr Major), and Public Works Act Amendment Bill (Mr X&ard) were read a second time.

BANK SHARE LISTS.

Mr Ell moved the second reading of the Companies Act Amendment Bill, requiring banking companies to publish lists of shareholders open, to the inspection of anybody.

The Prime Minister, said that the proposals were important. Reasons existed for placing banks on the footing hitherto enjoyed. He thought the Bill should be referred to the Public Accounts Committee.

The Bill was read a second time and referred to the committee accordingly.

QUACKERY PREVENTION.

Mr Hornsby moved the second read* Ing of the Quackery Prevention Bill, making it unlawful to advertise or sup ply any preparation, medicine or appliance alleged to be for the prevention, alleviation or cure of any human ailment or physical defect, declared by » Judge of the SupremeXJourt, on the application of the. Chief Health Officer, of a fraudulent nature or of such a character that it cannot have the effect claimed for it, or cannot affect the purpose for which it is supplied. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m.