PARLIAMENT

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 5726, 1 October 1914, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

By Telegraph.—Press Association Wellington, Wednesday.

The Council met at 2.30 p,m

Hon. F. H. D. Bellmoved: "That the Legislative Council of New Zealand, on the occasion of the 82nd anniversary of the birth of Earl Roberts, Colonel-in-Chief of the Forces of His Majesty's possessions beyond the seas, desires to recognise the splendid service which His Lordship has rendered to the Empire in the past, and to express its hope that he may be spared for many years to come to command New Zealand soldiers, who are proud to have the privilege of serving under him," Continuing, Mr Bell said he had tried to express in words what the country felt. All Englishmen knew and valued Lord Rolerts' services.

Hon. VV. 11. 11. Baillie, who had served under Lord Roberts' lather, seconded the motion, expressing the honour the Council felt at passing the motion. Since 1857 Lord Roberts' name had been a household word throughout the Empire. He pointed out that Lord Roberts had foreshadowed what took place in August. The resolution.was carried unanimously, and His Excellency is to be requested to cable a message to Lord Roberts, with a similar resolution passed in the House of Representatives.

lion. C. A. C. Hardy moved the second reading of the Gaming Act Amendment Bill. He was of the opinion that the measure would tend to improve the breed of horses in the country. lions. ,1. Duthie and J. W. Aitken opposed the measure, and the Hon. S. T. George supported it. Hon. F. 11. D. Beb explained that it was not intended to extend gambling, but to give justice to country clubs.

Hons. Moore, Maginnity, Fisher and Jones gave a qualified support to the measure.

The second reading was carried by IS votes to 5. The Factories Act Amendment, the Medical Practitioners, and the Animal Protection Bills passed through their second readings, practically without debate, and the Council rose at 4.0 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Spciker announced that the Legislative Council had agreed to the amendment made by the House in the War Risks Insurance Bill, and that the Council had passed the Imprest Supply Bill No. 4. Mr G. M. Thomson, chairman of the Education Committee, reported that the committee had considered

the Education Bill, am! recommended that il be allowed to proceed with

amendments. Hon. Dr Pom are moved the second reading of the Cook Islands Bill. The measure was designed to bring the laws of the Islands us closely into line with the laws of New Zealand as possible; but, in addition to consolidating the Island ordinances, a number of new features were introduced. '1 he establishment of Stale schools is provided for; financial arrangements are made furbetter communication between the different islands; the existing Federal Council is to be abolished, and Legislative Councils set up in each island; the administration of justice ia put on a more satisfactory footing, the model followed being that in existence in New Zealand, with modifications to meet local circumstances, ami power is to be given to administer lands and Native Land Courts set up; marriage offices are to bo appointed, and the sale of intoxicating liquor to the natives absolutely prohibited. The liquor traffic is to be placed under the control of the Customs Department.

Sir J. G. Ward said no member of the House could grasp a Bill of u'7s clauses after a brief explanation by the Minister. There was nothing to show what was new. Ihere were matters of great importance dealt with, and he personally did not care to take the responsibility of dealing with them without knowing more about them. The Bill should be referred to the Minister of Native Affairs or the Statutes Revision Committee.

Hon. A. L. llerdman said a condition of chaos had existed in the Couk Islands ever since we took charge, and now, when an effort was being made to put them right, the Government got no help from the Opposition, only carping criticism. There was no vital reason why the Bill should not be sent to the Statutes Revision Committee. Mr A. F. Clover claimed that the people of the "Summer Isles of Eden" should have representation in New Zealand's I'arliament. He further urged that the Bill should not be passed until some of the Islanders had had the opportunity of giving evidence before a committee. The House rose at 5.30 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m.

The Cook Islands Bill was referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. A resolution of condolence was moved by the Premier in connection with the death of Hon. T. Fergus, and the House adjourned until 2.30 p.m. tomorrow.