PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1917, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] WELLINGTON, This Day. THE COUNCIL. The Council met at 2.30. p.m.

The Registration of Aliens BiU was put through all its stages unamended. The Sale of Liquor Restrictions Bill was read a second time and" referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. THE HOUSE. R.t. Hon. Mr. Massey replying to Air. Anderson said there was no new devel-

opments regarding th’e purchase of the output of war cheese by tho Imperial authorities, hut he trusted the production of choose would not he edReplying to Air. AYitty, the Hon. Alacclonald said Be considerel there was no,cause for anxiety regarding the supplyof wheat for the Dominion. If there was a shortage an dhe found the

farmers-holding stocks stops would be taken to secure those supplies. Mr. Hindmarsh introduced the War Legislation Amendment Act, 1916, Amendment Bill. ITe explained the measure aimed at reducing house rents in Wellington to pre-war rates. / After a, brief discussion the Bill was read a second time. At 7.30. the House went into secret session. It is understood members wero to have a round the table conference with Ministers regarding pay and relief to the Second Division, prior to the measure affecting the proposal being brought before the House

THE SECRET SESSION - . THE LEAVE FOR MAIN BODY cancelled. POSITION EXPLAINED TO meaibers. WELLINGTON, This Day. Tho following official report of the special session of Parliament is supplied hv Government. At the special secret meeting of members held to-night information was conveyed with very much regret that there were difficulties and dangers in carrying out the sceheme for granting furlough to the members of the New [Zealand Expeditionary Force, These difficulties were of such moment that it had become necessary to cancel the arrangement. 'lhe position was fully explained to members and the following resolution was passed: “We, the members of the New Zealand House of Representatives at this conference assembled, with all the information which has been supplied to them, unanimously, but most regretfully agree that the proposal for giving furlough to the main Body so that they might be able to visit their homes in New Zealand, cannot under existing circumstances be given effect to.”

Knowing the great disappointment to men who given such untiring and devoted service on behalf of their country and the Empire, and how grieved their next of kin and people in New Zealand must be the Government placid all the facts before members of Parliament.

THE NEW PENSIONS. RATES. Tho Alinister of Defence stated tho allowance to wives, childrens guardians, and widowed mothers, at the present rates was, £322,788. At the new rates the amount, would be £711,464. The increase, if brought into operation at once will be £388.676. The estimated liability on 30th. September , 1918, for wives, Children’s guardians, and widowed mother is at the present rate £939,577. At the new rates the liability is £322,788, but excludes the new rates of 2,037,691, of which £939,577 is aocounted~for by the increased numbers of wives and children. The net increase for which the new rates will bo responsible is £775,426 in twelve months. Ihe new rates involved an increased liability of pensions of to £2400, allowances £775,320 or a total of £1,015,- ' 326.