PARLIAMENT.

Waikato Times, Issue 12178, 13 September 1911, Page 4

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, I

TUESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The Houae met at 2.30 p.m. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Six days' leave was granted to Mr E. H. Taylor (Thames) on account of illness in lite family, and four days to Mr George Fowlds through urgent private business. PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION. This Bill was read a first time. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS. Sir Joseph Ward gave notice that Government business would he taken on Wednesdays for the remainder of the' session. HAURAKI PLAINS. This Amendment Bill was reported from Committee with amendment. ADMINISTRATION BILL. The Administration Amendment Bill, providing for the exemption of the English Public Trustee on administering a New Zealand estate from executing a bond, was read a second time without discussion. TRAMWAYS. The Tramways Amendment Bill was 'brought on for second readiag and the debate was interrupted by tne tea adjournment. FINANCIAL STATEMENT The Financial Statement debate was commenced by Mr Massey, who said that he coulid not congratulate Sir Joseph Ward « n the Budget, most of which was irrevelent. He criticised the Government's action re •and settlement, pointing out the large decrease in the area settled compared with the previous year. He thought the Government unworthy of office when it could not bring forward and insist on a progressive ;and policy. The Government had no policy on the land question. He hoped the Government would put forward some practical town planning, scheme, lie believed in one house one home and each house-holder his own landlord. He would support any humanitarian legislation. Regarding- the recent loan, why (had the Government not taken the' country into its confidence! ? Mr Massey also dealt with the increase of 65 millions in the indebtness of the Dominion during the past year. The Hon. D. Biwldo replied to Mr Massey. He dealt with the Opposition platform at length and defended the Government s action regarding Native and Crown lands. He quoted figures showing that the New Zealand Government had settled more land during the past twelve months than the New South Wajles Government. The floating of the £5,00!J,0110 loan had been a. distinct success and the money had bean devoted to necessary works. Despite Mr Massey's foreboding, financial disaster to the colony had not followed the raising of the loan and the country was now more prosperous than ever. The House rose at 9.30 p.m.