IN PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 24, 20 October 1898, Page 19

IN PARLIAMENT.

The most important business dealt with by the Legislature during the past week was the Old Age Ptnsions Bill. This measure was passed by the Lower House and was read the first time in the Council. Its ultimate fate is conjectural. In connection with the Midland Railway question, a deputation of those members of the House whose districts are directly interested, waited on the Hon. the Premier with regard to recent litigation on the question, and the future prosecution of the work. Mr Se Idon is n p<>rted to have spoken for nearly an hour on the subject saying ■hat the Government were doiny all tbev could in the matter and uuder tin adverse oircum rauoi s. surrounding the case. The amendments made ia the Bank of Now Z 'aLvnd and Banking Bills were, after division, agreed to by the House of Representatives. But the Councils amendments on the Municipal Franchise Reform Bill were not looked on with favour by members of the Lower House. Subsequently the Council decided to withdraw the amendments repugnant to members of tbe ' other Chamber.' The amendments in the Shearers' Accommodation Bill were agreed to and the Native Land Laws Amendment Bill was put through Committee and passed the Lower House. The Legislative Council appeared to view with strong disfavour the Wages Protection Bill. The Committee passed the Clutha River Board Empowering Bills. The Dairying Industry Bill was receiving the attention of the House of Representatives during the latter portion of the week.