PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2262, 6 August 1908, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. AFTERNOON SITTING. [Panes Association.] WELLINGTON, August 5. Tho House met at 2.30 p.in. On the motion of the Premier, it was resolved that tho House adjourn on Friday at 6.30 p.m. until Tuesday, IStli inst. Sir Joseph Ward, referring to the many applications received to accompany tho Parliamentary train to Auckland, explained that it was absolutely impossible to accede to them. In the present state of the line, heavy engines could not- ho used, and extra passenger trains over the line were impossible. Replying to questions, Ministers said it is not intended to erect any further sawmills near the North. Island Trunk line at present. It is doubtful whether a Alunieipal Corporations Bill will ho introduced this session, and, in any ease, such a Bill would bo limited to pressing amendments. It is- intended to circulate tho National Superannuation Bill this session. An amendment of the Firo Brigades Act to givo Boards power to borrow for tho -uirchaso of additional property is under consideration. It is intended to ’dace all casual railway employees with a continuous service of over five years on the permanent staff. Somo complaint having been voiced by the Leader of the Opposition as to the administration of St. Helen’s Maternity Hospital, Auckland, in regard, more especially, to the treatment of indigent women, Hon. G. Fowlds defended tho Government’s position in the matter, stating that it had never been asserted by tho Government that these hospitals were to he used for indigent cases. Tho agitation raised was purely political. These hospitals now, quite as much as ever, came under tlie purview of Hospitals and Charitable Aid Boards. The Houso adjourned at 5.30 p.m. “ EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. The committee’s report on the Local Elections Act Amendment Bill was considered.

Some discussion took place on flio advisability to abolish the optional system of voting, and favoring making tho crossing-out system compulsory.

Tho Prime Alinister deprecated the proposal, which was lost on division. The Bill was then read a third time and passed. In committee on the Town Districts Act- Amendment Bill, somo objection was raised to the principle of tho Bill by Opposition members, in that it assimilated town ■ districts to municipalities.

The Prime Alinister approved of the principle of the Bill. Considerable discussion followed, and several machinery amendments were introduced. The Bill was reported with amendments. Tlie Farriers Bill, No. 2, was committed. After slight amendments the Bill was reported. In committee on the Lamps on Arehicle.s Bill, Air. Alajor, on the motion of tho Prime Alinister, agreed to withdraw tho Bill in favor of a Government measure.

Progress was reported. A Bill to authorise tlie validation of certain expenditure by local authorities in connection with the visit of the Aiherican fleet- was introduced by Governor’s message and read a- first time.

On the motion of the Premier, it was agreed that the House should adjourn till AVednesday, the 19th insfc., at 2.30 p.m., instead’of Tuesday, 18th, as previously arranged. The House rose at 11.40 p.m.