PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2237, 14 November 1907, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tho discussion continued tafi tor midnight. Tho remaining clauses of tlio Hospital and Cliaritablo Institutions Bill passod unnmouded. Tho Bill was road a. third time and passed. Tho Houso wont into committeo on the Defence Act Amendment Bill.

Clauso 4, which provides for the selection of captains, was rejected on tho voices. The Bill was reported, road a third time, and passed. Tho House adjournod at 2 a.m. Tho Houso mot at 2.30 to-day. In reply to questions, Ministers stated that tho Government during the recess will consider tho advisability’ of introducing legislation to increase tho graduations of tho income tax. That the Government do not consider tho time has arrived for Stato production of coal for jps-nwik-ing purposes; tho present arrangements for carriage of coal by sea are considered satisfactory, but with further development and tlio consequent increase in tho output from tho State mines, tho question of procuring State-owned steamers will have to bo considered. That it appears liopoless to try to do anything for elorks; legislation has boon brought forward to try to help thorn, and they have petitioned by hundreds that their rev lations with their employers should not be disturbed. That tho sale ot newspapers by children Is difficult to regulate without undue harshness; tho question will receive duo attention. That enquiry is being made as to tho best- moans to adopt for tho prevention of fires on woolsliips, and it is hoped that a Bill will bo submitted next session. That it lias boon arranged that tho stationery department will pay postage upon such publications as tho Year Book to enable purchasers in other parts of the Dominion to obtain thorn at tho same cost as Wellington residents; this does not apply to Gazettes and other publications is'sued at short intervals.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Tho Legislative Council met at 2.30.

Mr. Baillie moved “That it is advisable that the Government should tako into consideration 'during tho recess the desirableness of preparing legislation to provide for tho sanitary inspection of all schools and colleges (private as well as public) and for medical, inspection of school children.

Mr. Gcorgo seconded the motion. Dr. Findlay said the matter was one of very great importance, and it had not escaped the attention of the Government, but tho suggestion that all children should bo systematically examined would, if carried into effect, involve very great expenditure. A t tho same time tho Government had' not overlooked tho matter, and perhaps by next session they might have some proposal to lay before Parliament. / The motion was agreed to.

Mr. Callan continued the debate on Mr. Loxighnan’s motion, “That in order to effectvely defend tho Dominion against possible enemies it is imperative that .all able-bodied adult males should be trained to the use of arms and instructed in such military or naval drill as may be necessary for the purpose,” He did not sec why the youth of tho Dominion should not serve for at least three or four years' as volunteers. Mr. Collins advocated tho drilling of children at schools as soon as they had attained the age of 10 years. When a lad was fourteen he could be trained to tho use of the rifle. He also advocated the delivery of lectures by members of the Defence Council before school children on their duty to their country in the matter of defence, and that there should also be a svstem of keeping records of the health, etc., of children. This would enable us to work up to a national standard of health. The motion was lost by 21 to 4.

Tho Flour and Other Products Monopoly Prevention Bill was further considered in commitee, reported with machinery amendments, read a third time, and passed.

The Council adjourned at 5 till 7.30.