PARLIAMENTARY.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 303, 27 June 1895, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

legislative" council. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, June 26. The Council met at 2 30. The Poisons Importation and Carriage Bill, and Printers and Newspapers Act Amendment Bill, both of which were before tho Council last J session, wore read a second time on the voices. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30. The Licensing Act Amendment Bill, together with several othor bills, were introduced and a rend a first time. Eeplying to questions it was stated — That Government could not see their way to set up a commission to enquire into the case of the convict Louis Chemis. That an amending -hops and Shop Assistants Bill would be introduced, doing away with all exemptions under the Act, but it' was doubtful if provisions could be made for taking a poll of residents for fixing a day for the weekly half-holiduy. That instructions had been given that the inspection of shearing sheds under the Factories Act should be made prior to the shearing season. That Government would reconsider the decision as to granting subsidios to the fire brigades of the colony, but the Premier's oriaion was that these allowances should be paid either by local authorities or tho insurance companies. That when tho Juries Bill was before the House, Mr Seddou would move that efficient volunteers be exempt from serving on juries. That it was intended to restrict the issue of railway passes to volunteers. That legislation would be introduced providing a legal status for Scenery Preservation Societies. That a Bill to amend the Advances to Settlers Ant would shortly he brought down. That Government had done its best to promote reciprocity with New South Wales, but received no encouragement and they had done the next lest thing, namely, reciprocate with South Aus tralia. That there had been some communications on tho subject of appointing additional Legislative Conn cillors, but at this stage tho Premier could say nothing further on the matter. That it was not desirable to change the name of th^ colony to that of " .NJaoriland." That if su'table laud was available Government would be very glad to establish a State farm in the South Island. Th-tt the time would arrive about the beginning of next ses'-iou for putting inspectois of schools under the direct control of the Department with a view to their peri odical removal to other districts. That the question of establishing inebriate homes for the curative treatment of habitual drunkards could not be considered this session. Mr E. M. Smith moved the adjournment of the House, and a long debate took place, embracing many of the replies given by Ministers to questions. Mr Buchanan resumed the debate on the Address-in- Keply, and spoke generally in condemnation of the Government policy. He blamed the Premier for taking up such an un dignified position as he had done at Napier and Wangauui by threatening and bouncing the runholders because on the merest hearsay evidence he asserted tho runholders had told working men to go to their Government for employment. Mr Stevens is asking for a daily mail between Ohingaiti and Mangaweka, and a telephone to the latter place, as well as increase of accommodation at the Marton and Feilding railway stations. Mr Pirani spoke strongly against the proposal of the Government to withdraw the annual subsidy from the fire brigades, and on the neglect of the Government to remedy the grievance of those railway men who did not got lodging allowance when away home, if sleeping accommodation was provided, pointing out that if the officials were allowed as much as fifteen shillings a day, working men should at least be allowed out-of-pocket expenses. The Premier and the Minister of Railways said the whole question of travelling allowances was beiug considered with a view of remedying the grievance complained of. Mr Pirani, having replied, the Address was agreed to, and the House rose at 12.25 a m.