Parliamentary.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 28 October 1901, Page 4

Parliamentary.

[our parliamentary reporter.]

Dunedin Tramways’ Bill

Wellington, Saturday.

In answer to the pleadings of members who had local bills on the order paper, the Premier set aside this afternoon for the consideration of these measures, Unfortunately the sitting was wasted. At the head of order paper stood the Dunedin City and Suburban Tramways Act 1900 Amendment Bill. This provides for motive power for the electric tram system, being obtained from the Taieri River, and the erection of a dam there. The Bill was effectively blocked by the member for the Taieri (assisted by Mr O’Meara) who opposed it because of the fear that the proposed reservoir might some day overflow its banks. No progress was made at 7 30 p.m. The Public Works Loan.

The usual Million Loan Bill otherwise known as the Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Bill fixes the maximum amount of interest at 4 per cent. Half the amount is to be used for railway construction, £300,000 is to bo devoted to additional rolling stock for open lines and such other works and purposes in connections therewith as may be authorised; £150,000 is for opening up of back blocks and £50,000 for opening up and developing of the gold fields. The Premier moved to report progress on this and the other local bills. This was agreed to. Subsequently the Premier said he was willing to take over unopposed loeal bills as Government bills. Cost of Conciliation Boards. According to a return presented to the Legislative Council the following are the amounts paid to the various Conciliation Boards for salaries, fees, office and other expenses for the fifteen months ending June 30 last: Auckland District ... £366 Wellington „ ... 1,000 Westland ~ ... 17 Canterbury „ ... 109 Otago „ ... 221 Taranaki „ ... 84 Total £l.Bll Salaries, fees and other expenses of the Arbitration Court for the same period amounted to £1,669. Criminal Code Act. The second reading of tbe Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill, was carried by 41 to 13, and the Bill referred to tbe Statutes Revision Committee,

Land and Income Tax.

The Land and Income Tax Bill passed through committee without amendment, and‘Subsequently passed its final stages. Local Bodies Loans Bill.

The Local Bodies Loans Bill was i porte 1 from committee witnout ai material amendment, and was read a thiid time and passed. School Teachers Salaries Bill

In Committee on the Public School Teachers Salaries Bill the first schedule was amended to the fixed salary of £SO, and capitation eighty shillings for both males and females in schools with an attendance of over eight, and not over twenty. It was also decided that in schools with an average attendance from one to eight, capitation be paid at the rate of £5 per head. The Bill passed its final stages on the voices. The House rose at 3 45 o’clock.