PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2263, 7 August 1908, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. AFTERNOON SITTING. [Pbess Association.] WELLINGTON, August 6. The House met at 2.30 p.m. A general discussion ensued on the petition of Mr. Edgccuinbe, of Taranaki, an old soldier, praying for a land grant in recognition of li.is services. The question involved in discussion was whether there were not many old soldiers in the Dominion who deserved recognition for services in the field. It was suggested that another Commission might he set up to inquire into the matter, the previous one having proved abortive. It was asserted that a great injustice existed, calling for redress. Mr. J. A. Hanan, chairman of the Education Committee, had been instructed to secure a ruling from tho Speaker as to whether a member of the committee could move an amendment in tho Education Bill which would have the effect of increasing the appropriation. The Speaker, in giving liis ruling, said that previous rulings and ordinary practice showed that resolutions of a select committee were in the nature of suggestions, or recommendations, and not binding upon the House. When they came before the committee on the whole, it would he for the Chairman of Committees to rule according to circumstances whether they he accepted or not in accordance with the Standing Orders. The following Bills were put through committee: Westport Harbor Board Loan Bill, Christchurch City Sanitation Empowering Bill, Oamaru Town Hall and Gasworks Bill aud Recreation Reserve Bill, and were read a second time. Tho Oamaru Harbor Board Bill (Hon. T. Duncan) was brought forward for the second reading, which was agreed to. The Christchurch City Betterment Bill (Mr. C. M. Gray) was read a second time. Mr. A. S. Malcolm moved the second reading of the Tapanui Oountv Bill. The House adjourned at 5,30 p.m. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. After a protracted discussion, the second reading of the Tapanui County Bill was lost by 29 to 26 votes. On tho motion for the third reading of the Town Boards Bill, Mr. Massey objected to the principle of the Bill, which aimed at giving representation without taxation. Mr. Hornsby said that the Opposition was merely making a last stand for plural voting. Mr. W. Herries thought that where powers of borrowing were so limited only taxpayers should have tho franchise.

Mr. 11. G. Ell replied that the system had been in force in England for 70 years.

The third reading was carried by 38 votes to 21 votes, and the Bill was passed. The Farriers (N. 2) Bill was read a third time on the voices and passed. Mr J. Allen, moved the second reading of the Counties Act 188 G Amendment Bill, to amend inequalities of representation on County Councils. The second reading was agreed to. The Quackery Prevention Bill was committed, and reported with amendments.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill (Mr. G. Laurenson) excited considerable discussion.

Some members argued that it was not necessary, being covered by the Police Offences Act. while other considered that the Bill met real requirements. All agreed, however, that the Bill was badly drafted.

The second reading was carried, and the Bill was referred to the Stock Committee.

Mr. F. M. B. Fisher moved the second reading of the Municipal Corporations Act 1900 Amendment Bill (No. 2). Mr. Fisher stated that tho object of the Bill was to introduce the Parliamentary franchise into municipal elections except for votes on loan proposals.

The second reading was agreed to. Sir W J. Steward’s Marriage Amendment Bill, to validate marriages between certain degrees of relationship, was, on the second reading, defeated by 25 votes to 17 votes.