N.Z PARLIAMENT.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXI, Issue 3297, 29 September 1906, Page 2

N.Z PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. YESTERDAY, The Council met at 2.30 p.m. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. The Attorney-General said the failure of the trade to tender for the catering was a surprise, and that if no arrangement was made by the Commissioners the Government would step in. PROGRESS OP BILLS. The Motor Regulations Bill was passed. The Fire Brigades Bill was passed with amendments. The Habitual Criminals Bill was further considered in Committee reported with amendments. The New Plymouth Borough auK Taranaki School Commissioners Bill was read a third time. The Havelock Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute Bill (Mr Feld wick) was a third time. The Council rose at 3.35 p.m, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. YESTERDAY. The House met at 2.30 p.m. ESTIMATES. The Police Department —was discussed till the dinner adjournment. At the evening sitting the police estimates were further considered, and the total vote of £ 146,765 was passed. The t Mines Department, .£31,120, passed. The Colonial Secretary’s Department, ,£72,263. At the item £950 for Ministers* secretaries, Messrs Massey and J. Allan asked for information on sub-item " 13, private secretaries to Ministers at £25 each, £325.” They wanted each name of officers who received this allowance, and pressed their criticism on this point. The Premier declined to give information and the chairman ruled that if a Minister declined to give an answer he is entitled to do so. The Premier said: “ I would like to say at once that there is nothing wrong t I have not implied it. What is referred to was before we took office. The allowance was for men who worked here late and early and names were not given because it was thought an invidious thing to do. %- The honorable member has got information for this year and he wants to do something now which the chairman has ruled out of order. The vote which included a grant of £6OOO to Mrs Seddon (passed without discussion) was agreed to. Crown Law Department, £3500: Passed without discussion. Defence Department:—£l97,246. The Premier promised to make a statement to the House on defence matters before the end of the session. The vote was passed and the House rose at 11.30 s.m.