PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 180, 7 August 1901, Page 1

PARLIAMENTARY.

House oT Representatives.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wellington, last night. The House met at 10.30 a.m. The Rhodes Trust Bill was read a second time. Mr Seddon gave notice to introduce the Exposure and Sale of Preventatives Prevention Bill._ -v When the~report of the Coal Mines Commission was laid on tho table, Mr Guinness presented a petition from tho Wallsend miners, denying a statement of one of the witnesses that that mine was worked out. In reply to Captain Russell, Mr Seddon said that if the Financial Statement was not brought down this week it would be down early next week. He remarked that he had been face to face with difficulties that had delayed it, and he had once or twice indicated to the House the nature of thoso difficulties. In reply to questions, Ministers said that legislation was absolutely necessary to prohibit the sale of Maori curios and relics outside of the colony. The Government have tho matter under consideration. Legislation to be introduced for the formation of a national collection illustrating the history of the Maori race had also been decided on by the Government, and Mr Stowell, of Hawera, was engaged in the work. It was stated that, as far as the Government are aware, the reforms established at tho Stoke Orphanage are working very satisfactorily. It is tho intention of the Government to establish a State coal mine. A site is being selected, and Parliament will be asked this season to givo the necessary authority and appropriation to carry out the scheme.

Ministers stated that, as far as the Government are concerned, tho naval and military land claims have been finally settled, unless Parliament determined to re-open the matter. The Premier said tho Government intended to make inquiry into the difi'ercnco of premium charges between the Government Accident Insurance Company and the Ocean Accident Insurance Company. Tho House rose at 1 o’clock.