PARLIAMENT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1889, 18 October 1913, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

A DAILY SUMMARY.

The Land Bill passed its third reading in the House of Representatives early this morning by 89 votos to 14. After a number of questions had heen dealt with, tho Hon. W. Fraser introduced his promised Tramways Amendment Bill, and it was read a first timo, It provides that all tramcars must bo converted to central passago typo by March 1, 1914. Somo members on both sides spoke in favour of tho Bill, but tho Hon. A, L. Herdraan expressed a hopo that it would bo referred to a committee. Tho Hon. F. 11. B. Fishor complained that the Wollihjton City Council had not advised local members as to its intentions and requirements in regard to the Bill._ Mr. Hordman said that ho had received a letter from the council. At 3.40 p.m. tho House renamed the third-reading debate on tho Land Bill. The stream of talk that followed was only interesting at odd intervals. Much of the talk camo from the Opposition side of tho House, but at most times the member speaking had a background of empty benches. . Leasehold opponents of the Bill added some dull chapters to their ofttold tale of tho desporting of tho national heritage, but did not introduce any new feattlros. Occasionally Government membors spoke in reply, and several of them vigorously donounced tho. vindictive attacks recently mado upon Mr. T. W. Rhodes in connection with the granting of the freehold of Hauraki pastoral leases. , Tho Prime Minister replied at 11.42 p.m. He devoted a good deal of attention to the member for Avon, one of the last speakers on tho Opposition side, and also declared roundly that a contemptible and cowardly attack had been made by CTpposition members upon the member for Thames. There was a touoh of comedy about the final proceedings. So' far as the Opposition were conoerned tho third reading wouM liavo been carried on tho voices, but Dr. A. K. Newman, a Government member who has consistently supported the' 1 leasehold, called for a division. Mr. Russell, who had voted for tho, second reading of the Bill, voted against the- third reading. The division resulted: 39 to'l4 in favour of the BiW, h result that .was loudly applauded by Government members. The House rose at 0.22 a.m.