Legislative Council.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7502, 3 July 1903, Page 2

Legislative Council.

i ßy Telegraph — Press Association). Wellington, This Di*y. The Legislative Council met yesterday, at 2,30 p.m. ADDRESS IN-IIEPLY. Hon. T. Kennedy McDonald moved the Address-iu-Reply. Ho said in connection with Mr (Jhambcrlain's proposals that the Premier was entitled to the thanks of the Colony forinovinghis resolution at the Conference which had since become a world-wide subject for discussion. There could bo no doubt as to the eventual verdict of the Empire. The question of the Bank of New Zealand control would require great care. Government control must be continued in some shape or form. The Bank must never again bo allowed to drift into a political machine. In regard to the Assets Board a limit of time must bo placed when realisation of assets should take place. There never was a more opportune time for realisation, and Legislature must insist upon it. With regard to bush lands, reform was necessary in the direction of free rents for two or three years. In some cases it was more profitable to clear the land of timber by sawroillor than bushfaller. Land Boards should have large discretionary power in this respect. There should also be power to avoid compulsory residence, to enable the city nun to make a home for his boys. The electoral system, both general and licensing, was defective. There should be a second ballot in order to get a real expression of opinion by the electors. Partisan commitiees, whether in the interest of the brewers or of the Prohibitionists, must be abolished, and the administratisn of the licensing laws placed in impartial hands. He referred to the imperative necessity for roading Crown lands. The Legislature had broken faith with the settlers, and should repair the breach. It would cost two millions to do this, but if a vote of the people were taken they would say "Yes." The whole system of lands for settlement required amendment. He quoted statistics showing the enormous development of New Zealand, and said there was no fear of the future with fair legislation.

Hon. J. Bigg moved the adjournment of the debate till this afternoon, which was agreed to.