PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 469, 10 July 1902, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. I3y Telegraph—Press Association, Wellington, last night. The Legislative Council this afternoon balloted for the election of Chairman of Committees, with the result that the Hon. W. 0. Smith was elected. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tho afternoon sitting was occupied by Ministers answering questions. In the House at 7.iio Mr Hornsby moved the second reading of the Rings and Combines Suppression Bill, and said that be would be perfectly satisfied if tho House saw fit to limit the operations of the measure to food trusts and “ tied ” houses. He condemned tho actions of the Millera’ Trust and some of the North Island Meat Companies. Mr Oilfedder agreed that legislation was necessary to cope with combinations and trusts. Mr Tlios. McKenzie defended tho Millers’ Trust, but approved of the clause dealing with 11 tied ” houses. Mr G. W. Russell contended that the Bill in its present form was unworkable. Mr l’owlds hated all monopolies, but could not see that tho Bill would remody tho evil. >Sir Joseph Ward said he thought that many of tho proposals in tho Bill would interfere with tho natural course of trade. The Government intended to bring in a Bill to deal with the prevention of the establishment of trusts which affect the food supplies of the people, and in this connection ho thought legislation was necessary. He suggested that Mr Hornsby should wait until the proposals of tho Government were brought down. Tho debate is Btill proceeding.