LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12551, 14 July 1905, Page 8

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 13

The Council met at. 2.30

The Address-in-Reply debate was resumed by tho Hon. Holmes, who euW gised the proposals in reference to old ago pensions, but thought pensions should be given- to women at the age of 60. He thought the Government might have exercised a little more energy in tho direction of completing the West .and East Coast Railway. The Attorney-General dealt at some length with the Hon. Ormond's criticism of the setting up of the Land -Commission, maintaining that the Land foe Settlement policy had proved a success from first to last. The setting up of the Land Commission was not an infringement of the rights of Parliament, as Parliament was absolute. The Hon. Ormond had prophesied that the report of the Commission could only be in favour .of freehold, but it'was a wise thing never to prophesy until one knew. The allegation that land values were fictitious was a reflection upon the officers of the Department and the Assessment Court. The hon. member had condemned the native land policy of the .Government, but he would like to ask that hon. member what previous Governments had done in the matter.. As a' matter of fact, tho present Government had done much to better their position despite almost insuperable 'difficulties. As to the question of education, he stated that a very great deal had been clone during the last five jyears for education in the colony, and quoted figures to show the increased vote for the Department. The Government had also improved the position of teachers, but there was, he admitted, joom for further improvement. Referring to the Hon. Rigg's complaint that there was no mention in the Speech of a colonial conference and Imperial Council, he said the conference was .going to be held. There were not wanting those who even now held, that Hon. •W. P. Reeves was merely holding the JEEigh Commissionership for someone *else, but he would draw attention to the fact that Hon. W. P. Reeves had been appointed for -three years. He denied that capital was leaving the colony, and declared that our credit stood very high on the London money markety an dthe position of the colony generaly was such as should be gratifying *ti everybody in -iho country. Tho Hoti. Wigram having replied, tho "Address-in-Rsply was adopted, and The Council roso at 4.20. "