PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2287, 4 September 1908, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

WEDNESDAY EVENING SITTING

[Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Sept. 3. After midnight, replying to Mr. 1. W. Lang, Sir Joseph Ward said that the second ballot would take place seven or fourteen days after the closing of the first poll. Mr. Lang said this would leave very litte time between the official declaration and tho second ballot. _ Mr. C. E. Major supported the 15 Mr. W. Horries opposed the Bill, and contended that it was introduced to gain a political advantage. Mr. A. T. Ngata thought that the measure should be tried as an experiment, and repealed in case ot a taiiUl Sir Joseph Ward, replying, said that the Government’s position was stronger in the country than eve » and there was no ground, thoictorc, for the suggestion that the Bill was meant to gain a political advantage. He contended that the experience Germany vindicated the measure. The second reading was carrmdy 43 votes to 15 votes, and the House rose at 1.40 a.m.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. AFTERNOON SITTING. In the Legislative Council to-day the Oam aru Reserves Bill was read a Harbor Hoard Loan Bill the Waikoliu County Bill, and the ’ Destitute Persons Amendment Bill were read a second time. Hon J. Rigg moved the second reading of the ‘Municipal Corporation Act Amendment Bill, extending franchise to lodgers and longing 111 seamen and commercial travellers. Hon. T. K. Macdonald moved an amendment that the Bill ho read a second time that day six months. The amendment was carried by a votes to 7 votes. The Council then rose. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. AFTERNOON BITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Two weeks’ further leave of absence was granted Mr. J. McLaclilan owing to ill-health. After considerable discussion it was decided, on the suggestion of the Premier, to postpone further consideration of the Opunake Harbor Bill and the New Plymouth Harbor Board Empowering Bill for a week to enable those in charge to confer w T ith the Local Bills Committee and afford an opportunity for further evidence to be submitted. The' Auckland Cemeteries Bill was P3 The Hokitika Harbor Act Amendment Bill, the Lincoln Road Board Empowering Bill, the Inangahua County Council Empowering Act Amendment Bill, and the Matamata County Bill passed the committee stages. The Auckland Harbor Board Loan Empowering Bill was read a second time. In committeo on the Canterbury College Amendment Bill, on the motion of Hon. G. Fowlds, clause 8, empowering the Board to pay the chairman, was struck out by 38 to 9. The House adjourned at 5.34 p.m.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. The Canterbiiury College Amendment Bill, the Whakataric County Act Amendment Bill, the Opunake Harbor Bill and the Auckland Harbor Loan and Empowering Bill passed the committee stages. The New Plymouth Harbor Board Empowering Bill was committed. In connection with the Harbor Board Bill providing for the borrowing of £IOO,OOO, Mr. G. Laurenson protested at tho financial “drunk”the country was indulging in. Harbor Boards were borrowing over 2J millions this session, and he regretted to see this saturnalia of borrowing.

Sir Joseph Ward said the boards were in good financial positions, and were well able to provide. Considerable discussion was excited by sub-section (e), clause 13, on the subject of plural voting. A debate followed on the lines of the previous discussions of this question.

The plural voting clause was upheld by 34 votes to 23. votes, and the Bill passed the committee stage. Progress was reported. All Bills were read a third time and passed.

On the passage re sinking funds for the redemption of loans, Sir Joseph Ward said lie could wish the local bodies borrowed less. The Government was continually resisting requests for expenditure. Several other members spoke.