PARLIAMENT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1803, 16 July 1913, Page 7

PARLIAMENT.

A DAILY SUMMARY. The tone of debate was not embittered in tho House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, but at the evening sitting the clangour of party strife rang l'ull-toncd as the Prime Minister replied to the strictures of his critics during tho past two weeks, and made some passing references to tho "maro's nests" and fairy tales produced'by a section of tho'Opposition press during the recess. The Prime Minister addressed a full House and crowded galleries, but- earlier in the day, and later, the attendance of members was poor. The Order Paper of the House is beginning to wear a business-liko appearance. Two important Bills were introduced by Governor's Message yesterday, a Land and Incomo Assessment Bill, which liberalises the income tax by granting a special exemption to persons with children, and a consolidating and amending. Police Force Act.

Publications presented to the House included the report of the Royal Commission on Forestry, the annual Defcnce Report, and tho report of the Stato Advances Department for tho past year, Tho Address-in-Reply debafco was resumed by Mr. J. B. Hrne, who emphasised the necessity for a vigorous policy of Native land settlement, and championed tho claim of isolated back-block settlers to tie provided with road access. In a brief reference to defence preparation, Mr. Hine curtly described as traitors those who refused to shoulder their share of tho common burden. Mr. ll.' G. Ell, who followed, agreed with Mr. ITine that, the Government should by all means retain its hold upon the Bank of New Zealand. Mr. F. Mander, who spoke before and nfter the dinner adjournment, made ft quiet-toned and sensible speech, but. did not break much new ground. The Minister, in a speech whichoccupied an hour and nine minutes, deToted most of 'his attention to critics of Ms Administration'. Hp was_ in eood fighting form, and attacked his opponents with cheerful vigour. Time after time he roused members on the other side of the House to a pitch of exasperation, and drew a storm of an?ry interjections, but aa often he bore down these interruptions with an air of ease and oonfidenco ■which evidently delighted his followers. There was a decided slackening of tension (which had its effect upon the attendance) when Mr. G. Laurenson replied on behalf of the Opposition. His speech was little tinged by "the rancour for which he has been noted in past years. Tho appointment of the Public Service Commission was assailed by the member for Lyttelton as a departure inconsistent with democratic principles. The last speaker of tho evening was Mr. D. Buick, who generally commended the policy and administration of the Government. The House rose nt 11.10 p.m.