CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2047, 26 November 1907, Page 2

CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT.

THE LAST DAY’S WORK. |< MUTUAL COMPLIMENTS. 1 l i Preßs Association. I * YVELLINGTON, Nov. 25. ‘ Both Houses mot in tlio morning, I „ and did a littlo unimportant business. I . YVlion tho Legislative Council ro-1 j sumod at 2.30 p.iii., Mr. Smith con-1 , grntulatod tho Attorney-General on 1 ; tho way in which lio had carried out I his responsible duties during tlio ses- I , sion. Ho bad shown himself a truo leader of men, and by liis considera-1 tion and courtesy had gained tlio full I confidence of the Council. Ho also suggested that tlio time was coming I when Parliament would liavo to sit I lor six months, which in turn would I necessitate an increase in tlio honora- I riu m. I Several other members spoko on I similar lines, all agreeing in compli-1 menting the Attorney-General, and in I referring to tlio important character I of tlio legislation that had boon I passed. I Mr. Jenlcinson endorsed the view I that tile honorarium of members I should bo increased. Ho also stated | .that tho Ministers should bo relieved I of a great part of their work by the I appointment of under-secretaries. I The Attorney-General suitably ro-I sponded to the kindly references made I to tlio manlier in which lie had dis- I charged his duties. Ho acknowledged I the assistance lio bad received from I members, and said it would not bo 1 for him to review the importance of I tlio work transacted during tho ses- I sion. Time would be tlio test. I Tho Appropriation Bill was put I through all its stages, and tlio. Council I finally adjourned at 5.30 p.m. I The House resumed at 3 o’clock'to I await tho receipt of tho Appropriation I Bill from tho Council. | At 4.40 p.m. an amendment to the I Factories Act Amendment Bill was I brought down by Governor’s Message. ‘The amendment provided tor | tlio striking out of clauses 12 and 16, I relating to employment of Chinese in I factories and hours of work performed by Chinese in laundries. The Premier explained that as the Bill with I tlio two clauses in would have, to await tho Royal Assent before coming into operation it was deemed advisable to strike out tlio clauses and living down a measure dealing with tlio matter early next session. The amendment was agreed to. Tho Appropriation Bill was received from tlio Council at 4.10 p.m. The Speaker having proceded to the Go- ! vornor for his assent to tho Bill, returned at 5.30 p.m., and read a list of tho Bills passed during the .session. Tlio Premier announced that the £BOO,OOO authorised for the purchase of gilt-edged securities (had been raised at a very great advantage to the country, securities worth £853,036 having been obtained, which would yield an average of 31 per cent; and in connection with the raising ol tlieso ho desired to acknowledge the assistance given by tho High Commissioner. Tho Premier went on to thank members of the Opposition and othor members for assistance given

during the session and tho courtesy shown at all times. He paid a tribute to tho Speaker for the impartial manner in which lie had conducted tbe business of the House, and thanked the officers of the House, particularly mentioning the Law Drafting Department, in winch Messrs. Salmond and Joliffe had done good work. Mr. Herries, on behalf of tho Opposition, briefly acknowledged the courtesy displayed by till© Speaker and Premier, and reciprocated tlio good wishes oxpresed by Sir Joseph YY’ard. The usual valedictory speeches were made, and tlie House finally adjourned at 7.55 p.m.