PARLIAMENT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 22 November 1927, Page 6

PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BILLS INTRODUCED. FIRST READINGS. Wellington, Nov. 21. By Governor-General’s messages the following bills were introduced and read the first time in the House to-night: Education Reserves Amendment Bill. Native Laud Amendment Bill. Electric Bower Boards Amendment and new clauses to the Lands “Washing-Up” Bill. These latter were referred to the Lands Committee. The Minister of Lands said the Education Reserves Amendment Bill was intended to improve the tenure under which education reserves were held. The bill was referred to the Lands Committee. The Hon. K. 8. Williams explained that the amendments in the Electric Bower Board Amendment Bill, with exception of three, had been submitted to the executive of the Power Boards Association and approved by that body. Three others,. which hail not been so approved, were being submitted to them The House then went into committee on the Wellington Citv and Suburban Water Supply Bill, which was passed through all stages. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS The House this evening discussed answers given by Ministers to printed questions. The following amongst other answers were given:— That a committee for some tune past has been considering the general question of motor vehicle regulations. The committee has now practically finalised its proposed regulations, and these have been circulated for the consideration of all parties interested before thev are finally approved. • • • That the question of what ports in .the South Island it is practicable to include in the itinerary of the Maui Bomare is on the order of reference of the South Island-Australia shipping facilities committee. That the Government is not prepared to grant a subsidy up to a total of £50,000 for the treatment and working of oil, gold end other minerals on the West Coast of the South Island on the basis of £5 for £7. Under tne existing law. before an application for a subsidy can le entertained by the Government, ‘he applicant is required to supply the Mines Department full information as to the proposed prospecting, •he estimated expenditure required and .justification for incurring such expenditure. If definite proposals dealing with particular properties arc submitted, same will receive consideration by the Government after due investigation has been made. • • • That in reference to the proposed introduction of nightingales to Little Barrier Island, it is against the policy of the Government to allow imported birds to be liberated m sanctuaries, such as Little Barrier Island, which have been set aside specially as sanctuaries for the preservation of indigenuous birds. It is illegal for any person to introduce birds to the Dominion without the consent of the Minister of Internal Affairs and no such consent has been given in the case of the birds referred to above by the honourable member, and instructions have been issued that the birds are not to be allowed to be landed without the necessary authority.

That the Government is not prepared to take steps to amend the Education Act in the direction that no education board of school committee shall have power to prevent duly accredited persons from giving religious instruction in State school buildings out of compulsory school hours as given at present in Nelson and other places under the Nelson system of religions instruction. The House rose at 11.30 p.m. until 2.30 p.m to-morrow.