PARLIAMENTARY.

Western Star, Issue 2218, 1 July 1898, Page 7

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Captain Russell gave notice to move, on behalf of the Opposition, the following amendment to the Address-in-Reply:—“We regret that your Excelleny’s advisers should have thought fit, without the authority of this House, and for the purpose not contemplated by it, to so largely exceed the specific appropriations of £7,000 for the construction of a new library, such action being a dangerous subversion of that control over the public expenditure which exclusively belongs to this House.” In moving the Address-in-Reply Mr McNab approved of the principle of buying large estates, but criticised adversely the buying of estates of 3000 to 5000 acres. He urged the establishment of dairy factories in improved farm settlements and proceeded to deal with the want of railway rolling stock in Southland for timber and rabbits. Special provision should be made for carrying rabbits, which were no longer a peat bnt a profit. He was glad to see proposals for compensation to workmen and State accident insurance. He called attention to the possibilities of New Zealand’s trade with the Straits Settlement and Eastern Asia. He urged the Government to capture that trade and secure the provisioning of the European fleets in Chinese waters. He considered reliance should be placed on the Imperial Navy for defence and not on shore batteries. Mr O’Meara seconded the motion.