PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 4 July 1917, Page 3

PARLIAMENT

THE HOUSE-! (Per Press Association. —Copyright.) WELLINGTON, llus Dev. The House met at 2.30 p.m., Mr. J. Vernon Reed, (Bay of Islands), took the oath and his seat. Further petitions praying for the early closing of hotel bars were presented by various members: In replv to Mr. Parr, the Prime Minister stated that his attention had been drawn to the fact that there are two ships in New Zealand waters which were to be sent- to Australia to load. He had communicated with the authorities in London asking, if these ships could he loaded; With frozen meat before leaving Now Zealand ■’Waters. Replying to Mr. McCall uni, Hon. G. W. Russell said that the revocation of j the Naturalisation Bill did not content- ; plate the cancellation of naturalisation ; of persons horn in Allied countries. Replying to Mr. Witty, Ho»n. W: D. MacDonald s aid there had been no negotiations between a syndicate for the purchase- of the State Coal Mine. The output of the mine this year was a' record, except for one year. Tlie net profitwas £18,527 against £2.500 the previous yar. The following hills were introduced and read a first time—Foxton Harbour Board Amendment Bill (W. H. lield). Tauranga Harbour and Forcshoie Vesting Bill (Hon. Herries) Contractors Relief Bill (Hon Heid-rna-n). Th Expiring Laws continuance Bill was introduced by Governor’s Message and read first time. The- remainder of the sitting was ocoupieu by statements by tho Hon. W . Massey and Sir J. G .Ward concerning their visit To Britain, in which they describe;: their efforts to promote the commercial financial interests of the Dominion. Shipping and produce problems were dealt with and they gave an encouraging account of the New Zealand soldiers at the front and in camps and in hospitals. They regarded the War Conferences as a great step in advance-;'so far a* dominion representation /in Imeperial affairs was concerned, but Sir J- G. Ward -said lie did not regard the representation at Imperial Conferences as a compliment- to th Dominions, but the dominions must take their share of Imperial responsibilities, not as complimenthut as a rightSir J. G. Ward also announced that he had arranged to extend our short dated war loans for thirty years, paying no brokerage thereby saving the country £490.000. At the suggestion of the members, the Premier agreed to take the discussion- on the statements to-morrow. The House rose at 10 p.m.,