PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1917, Page 1

PARLIAMENT

THE COUNCIL

WELLINGTON August 7

The Council resumed at 2.30. p.m. Sir F. Bell moved the war re flotation which was seconded by Hon. Captain Baiilie, and, after various Councillors had expressed their warm approval ii was unanimously adopted. TWO BILLS PASSED.

The Expiring 'Laws Continuance, Bill and War Purposes Loan Bill, authorising the raising of £24.,000,000, were put through all stages and parsed.

The Council adjourned at 5.30. p.m

WELLINGTON, August 8

The Council resumed at 2.30. p.m. Hon. O. Samuel carried out the duties of Acting-Leader, Sir Francis-Bell being absent. LATE CAPTAIN BELL. lik moving a resolution regarding the death of the leader's son siinilvr to that carried in the House of Roorosontalives Hon. Mr. Samuel said that Captain Bell was beginning to make his mark in the House as well as in the law courts, but was one of. the first, to recognise* that it was the duty of every Briton to imperil his life and future prospects in defence of the Empire. Death must come to all of us and how could it /mine more graceful lv ‘ than. when it met one in the per-, form alien of such a high duty? The motion was seconded by the Hon R. Woo re, and carried. AMENDMENT TO AVAR LOAN AGREED TO.

'the Amendment to the War Purposes Loan Bill was received from the Lower House and was agreed to after Sir'William Hall-Jones and the Hon J. Barr had protested againgi.t Councillors not being afforded an opportunity .of giving due consideration to the amendment. 'The Council adiourried at 3.10 p.m. until next Wednesday as a mark of respect to the late Captain Bell.

THE HOUSE

WELLINGTON August 7. 'FJie House resume?!,"at 7.30. p.m.. •■•. BUDGET DEBATE OPENED. , Mr.'--T. M. Wilford opened the De-bate-bn, the Budget and was followed by Mr. F. ,W. Rhodes till the House rose. WELLINGTON, August 8. Tlio House met- at, 2.30. p.m.. LOAN BILL AMENDMENT. An Ariiendifient- to the War Purposes Loan Bill, wtfl introduced-by Ge.VeiYior’s message. Sir Joseph "Ward said

that the amendment was a formal one for the purpose of enabling the Post Office to receive larger sums for a longer period from small investors in the war loan. He propsed to extend the terms of investment from five years to such longer period as the Minister .of Finance determines, probably for two years, the amount to be either £SOO or £1000; in all probability tile latter. He asked that tliq amendment, bo dealt with u matter of urgency to enable the Legislative Council to pass it to-day. The. amendment was agreed to. SOUTHERN FLOUR MILLS. Replying to the Hon. D. Buddo, Air. Massey said that Cabinet was aware that there was a danger of the southern flour mills having to close down owing to competition between imported wheat and imported flour. Cabinet would deal with the question during the next, few days. WANG ANUT HARBOUR BILL Mr. W. A. Yeitcli gave, notice of his intention to introduce the Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Bill. OVERSEAS MAILS. Replying to Dr, IT. T. J. Thacker Sir James Allen said that it was by J Imperial direction that notice of Overseas mails was not published. CUSTOM DUTIES. In reply to Mr- T. W. Jennings, Sir Joseph Ward said that he was having a special report made in connection with silks and other goods affected by the proposed alterations in the Customs duties. If any fresh resolution of the House'were required in this connection it would date from yesterday. MOTIONS OF SYMPATHY. Tile Premier moved tile customary resolution of sympathy with Sir Francis Bell, and Lady 1Jt.41 ill'connection with the death of .their sou Captain Harold Bell, ex-member for Wellington Suburbs who was killed at the Front. In doing so Mr. Massey paid a tribute to the deceased officer’s recognised ability as 'a member of the New Zealand Bar and of the House. He went to Samoa with " the Expeditionary Force. Then he proceeded to England and joined King Edward’s Horse with which company he took part in several actions and distinguished himself. He was mentioned in dispatches during the past few months.

Sir Joseph Ward, Sir James Allen, and Messrs Wilford, Wright, Dr. Newman, Dr. Pomare, and Air. L. AI. Isitt also spoke tand the resolution was eiuried in silence.

Before, moving the adjournment <>l the House till 7.30. p.m.-ras a mark-of respect to the late Captain Bell the Premier mentioned that the news had also come through to-day that . Sergt. Ernest Rhodes son of the. member for Thames had also been killed at the front and he desired to extend to. the bereaved parents his deepest sympathy in their loss, After Sir Joseph Ward had spoken in like sympathetic terms- tlm House .rose at 3.30. p.m.

Tin* House, resumed at 7.30. p.m. The Budget debate was continued bv Mr. J. Auslcy Hon D. Buddo, and Mr. G. Hunter, Tlio. adjournment of the debate was moved by ATr. W. A. Yeitcli and the House rose at 11.10. p.m.