PARLIAMENT

Waikato Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8582, 6 August 1908, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

♦ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELI.INV.TON.—'WEDNESDAY. The House met at 2.50 p.m. !t_ was resolved that the House adjourn on Friday at (>.30 p.m. until Tuesday, the I<S t! 1 inst. Sir J. Ward, referring to the many applications rereived to accompany the parliamentary train to Auckland, explained that it was absolutely impossible to accede to them, in the present state of the lines h.-avy engines could not lie used, and extra p issenger trains over the line were impossible. Replying to <|uestions Ministers said : It is not intended to erect any further sawmills near the North Island Trunk line at present. It is doubtful whether a Municipal Corporations Hill will be introduced this session, and in any case such Bill would be limited to pressing amendments. It is intended to circulate the National Superannuation Bill this session. The amendment of the Fire Brigade Act, to give Fire Boards power to borrow for the purchase of additional property is under consideration. It is intended to place all the casual railway employees with continuous service of over five years on the permanent staff. Some complaint having been voiced by the Leader of the Opposition as to the administration of the St. Helen's Maternity Hospital at Auckland, in regard more especially to the treatment of indigent women, the Hon. G. Fowlds defended the Government's position in the matter, stating that it had never been asserted by the Government that these hospitals were to be used for indigent cases. The agitation raised was purely political. 1 hese hospitals now, quite as much as ever, came under the perview of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m.