HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 300, 25 June 1896, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30. The afternoon was spent in answering questions. In the House today in answer to Mr Buick, Government said there was no doubt New Zealand flax was well known in England and America, and it was questionable whether sending an expert wonld have any effect. He would, however, ask the Agent-General to make enquiries on the subject. In answer to Mr McGnire, the Minister of Lands said Stock Inspector Monro's services had been dispensed with because he was getting on in years, and it was desirable a more active man should hold the position. Replying to Mr Pirani the Premier said no instruction had been issued by the Government Insurance Department □ot to employ New Zealand medical graduates, but the best qualified men were always appointed. Replying to other questions, the Minister said — If Sir Walter Buller did not resign the Justice of the Peace he would probably be called upon to do it. He did not intend to assist rifle clubs, as he considered they injured volunteer* I i D SThere was no probability of the Vaile system being given a trial on railways. He intended to take steps to do something to settle old soldiers claims, but not the claims of people who bad not seen active service in New Zealand. It was intended to take action in the direction of reciprocal treaties between Great Britain, the other colonies and New Zealand. Single men were employed on cooperative work by the Lands Departmeat when they were settlers, and although the Public Works Department employed mostly married men, single men were given a chance when possible. He did not intend to borrow a million pounds annually for public works, but due provission would be made on the estimates for all necessary works. At tbe evening sitting, the Domestic Servants Half-holiday Bill, Criminal Code Amendment Bill, dealing chiefly with tbe Chemis case, were both read a second time. After considerable debate the second reading of tbe Native Rights Bill was negatived by 38 to 7. The House rose at 12.45.