PARLIAMENT.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 693, 18 December 1909, Page 7

PARLIAMENT.

" estimates debated.' the High commissioner's office. 1 ,, ' ■ OTHER VOTES CONSIDERED. SOME INTERESTING DISCUSSIONS. , During its sittings yesterday afternoon and evomng the Legislative Council dealt with a number of measures. The State Advances Bill pat through its final stages, whilst tho Piiblio Works Amendment Bill,' No. 2, was considered in Committee. When tho Council adjourned, the second reading debate m connection with the Coal-Mines Amendment Bill had not conclnded. The Estimates formed the busin«ss of tho House morninc;, afternoon, and night yesterday. In the morning a statement made by the Prime Minister on ocean mail services led to soiuo interesting remarks on tho prospecti of a State ferry sen ice, which Sir Joseph Ward deolnwd was "bound to com<>." The inoroasing expense of the High. Commissioner's office, and particularly Mr. T. E. Donne's cp» pointment, were severely enhcised in the evening. 'A division was also taken, unsuccessfully; with the obieot of reducing the vote for the advertising office, which Mr. Massey deolurcd to bo a political Department, quoting tome interesting, documents in support of his contention. Tho discussion on the Estimates ■was continued into the small hours of tht morning,