PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1918, Page 3

PARLIAMENT

) IPEB PRESS ASSOCIAVION. —COPYRIGIIT.j

i THE COUNCIL. j WELLINGTON, Dec. 3. j The Council met at 2.30 p.m. | The Electric Power Boards Bill was 1 passed all stages, without amendment. ! The Aviation Bill was read a first time. I The Crimes Act Amendment Bill and Reformatory Institutions Amendment Bill was introduced and read the second time, pro forma. ! The Council adourned at 4.50 p.m.

THE HOUSE.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. Premier .Massey moved the second reading of the Licensing Amendment i Bill, providing a poll to he taken next April on the issues of Continuance of Licenses and National Prohibition with | compensation. In the event of continu- • ance being carried then at the next General Election a poll will be taken on the issues of Continuance, Prohibition, and National Control, i The Bill passed all stages with amend-

ments limiting the amount of com-

pensation to be paid to four and a half millions, and making six o’clock closing a permanent institution. The Post and Telegraph Re-Classifi-cation Bill was. introduced by Governor’s message, and read a first time. The House rose at 12.35 a.m. till noon. The House met at Noon.

Hon. A. M. Myers informed Mr Mr Statham that an opportunity would bo given to business people in the various centres to tender for the surplus military stores, after all the military requirements had been served. Replying to Mr Vigor Brown, Hon. T. M. Wilford said lie could not ask Government to print the evidence taken before the Watersiders’ Commission, because it was very voluminous but be would have the report printed and circulated.

Replying to Mr Wright Sir Joseph Ward said he would approach the Cable Companies with a view to getting a reduction in the present charges on cables to soldiers at the front.

In answer to Mr. Hornsby the Premier said Cabinet was now considering a scheme for earing for orphan children whose parents had been swept away by the influenza epidemic. They had not yet arrived at a final decision, but he hoped the Finance Minister would make a Statement on the subject in the course of a very few days. Mr Massey, in reply to a question, said lie would be pleased to make further representation to the homo authorities regarding the danger of permitting the American meat trust extending its operation to the various parts of the Empire.

Rir Joseph Ward said he had, in conjunction with the Premier, made representations on this subject and he would be glad to renew his efforts in this direction.

A Bill making provision for the repatriation of soldiers was brought down by Governor’s message and read a first time. The Premier said lie hoped it would come on for consideration in the afternoon. The House rose at 1 p.m.