PARLIAMENTARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10535, 9 August 1912, Page 1

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Abridged, from Press Association.)

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, August 8. AFTERNOON SITTING. The Council met at. 2.30 p.m. RENT OF OFFICES. The Hon J. T. Paul moved—" That there be laid on the table a return showing the total amount paid by the Government to private individuals for rent of offices durirjg the year ended March 31, 1912, in Invercargill. Duned'in, Timaru, Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, Palmerston North, Napier, Wanganui and Auckland, the return to show the number of offices in each of the places mentioned above, the number of offices under separate roofs, the location and jfttrpose of same, and the annual rental paid." The motion was seconded by the Hon J. Rigg and carried. ELECTIVE COUNCIL. The Legislative Council Elections Bill was introduced by the Hon H. D. Bell, read a first time, and set down for second reading on next sitting day. EDUCATION COMMISSION. The Hon R. A. Loughnan resumed the discussion on the Hon J. E. Jenkinson's motion for the setting up of a committee to consider the report of the Education Commission. He supported the motion because he believed that more committees should be set up by the Council to deal with matters of national importance. The country was greatly indebted to the late Government for setting up the Commission, and to the Commission for the report it had brought down. The time had arrived. when Parliament should review the whole education system, with a view to improving it. " The motion was carried. SECOND READINGS. The Deputy-Governor's Powers Bill and New Zealand University Act Amendment Bill were read a second time.

The Council adjourned till Wednesday, August 21. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, August 8. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. - ARBITRATION. The Hon W. F. Massey gave notice to introduce the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act Amendment Bill. LICENSING. Mr Malcolm moved the second reading of the Licensing Act Amendment Bill, providing that at the next and every subsequent licensing poll the majority required to determine any question submitted to the electors at a poll shall be 55 per cent of the total number of votes recorded in each district throughout New Zealand as the case may be. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. The motion for the second reading of Mr Malcolms Bill was lost, 32 voting for and 42 against.