PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1918, Page 3

PARLIAMENT

IPER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.)

THE HOUSE.

WELLINGTON, This Day

The House met at 2.20 p.m. The Reformatory Institution Act Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor’s Message and read a first- time. The Military Decorations and Distinct ive Badges Mill .(Sir James Allen), was put through the committee stage and read a third time.

The War Legislation Bill, (Mr. Massey was taken in Committee and the first clause passed. At the evening sitting, Sir Joseph delivered the Budget which he concluded at 9.30 p.m. amidst applause.

The House then rose till 11.30 next morning.

WELLINGTON. This Day

Tho House met at 11.30. a.m

Replying to Mr Poole, Hon C. W. ■Russell said there was no information that influenza prevailed on board the Makura, shortly after expected at Auckland. If on arrival, this epidemic was prevailing, tho vessel would be quarantined for such time as the District Health Officer thought necessary

Replying to Mr Poole, Sir Janies Allen said it would lie difficult to removo German prisoners of war from Motuihi Island, but if the island was required for quarantine purposes, he would have them removed to F«itherston Camp. Replying to Dr Newman, Mr Russel' said it was the wish of the Government that no one should be in distress as the result of the epidemic and if application were made to the. Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards, relief would be immediately given and on generous lines. Cabinet, bad not yet- considered Governments attitude to include the question of relief. Hon A. M. Myers said h c had given instructions to the Department that every facility must be rriven to widows who had lost their husbands as a result of the epidemic, to obtains widows pensions? The following Bills were introduced and read a first time—Painters and Decorators Health Protection (Air Yeitch); Crimes Act, 1908 Amendment (Hon AYilford); Auckland Harbour Board, De venport Borough Council, and Domain Empowering (Afr'Harris); AVhangarOi Borough Empowering (Air Marnier) ; Dunedin City Fish Markets and Empowering (Air gtratham);, Hawkes Bay River Board (Sir .1. Findlay). _ • A discussion, was raised by Air Hornsby on the laying on the table of reports of Commission of Enquiry into the relations of the Public Inis Office and the estate of the late Rangi Kerehoma. Air Hornsby declared, the commission revealed gross fraud by obtain individuals against Rangi kerehoma. and be wanted to know whether these individuals were to bo allowed o bold their ill-gotten gains. Restitution ought to bo made and the process of Europeanising the natives oug t o ! Ro reconsidered by Government. Hon AV. Herries said the Commission went beyond the order to inference, when he condemned the Europeanising of natives on which question, the Native Department was not called upon to give evidence. On the question of restitution he understood . all restitution which Rang! Kerehoma s Solicitor demanded had been made. Sir Joseph Ward said the Commissioner to-day had completely cleared the Public Trust Office of any complications of fraud, but he would bring the whole matter under the notice ot Cabinet for consideration. Sir AY o i'i-jscr laid on -the table Mr Pa it vs report on the ydro-elec-irie scheme for the. North Island which in its entirety 'he estimated v cost £6,700, t)00. The. estimate is based on twelve per cent above pre-war prices. Air Parry is resigning for personal reasons, only, being unable fo accept- the Alinisters offer to re-engage him for five years at - salary of near- [ i v the present remuneration. The House rose at 1. p.m.

THE COUNCIL. The Council resumed the debate on the A ddress-i n-Itepl y, Hons. Eam slow and Te Hen Tukino addressing the Council.