PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1920, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

(PKll CHESS ASSOCIATION.--COPYRIGHT.] THE HOUSE. WELLINGTON, This Day. The House mot at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. The following Bills were introduced by Governor’s Message and read a first time:—Registration of Masseurs; New Zealand Institute Act Amendment; Counties Act Consolidation; Customs Act Amendment. At the closo of tho formal business Mr Massey moved a motion of condolence with the relatives of the Jute Commander Horne, Sorgt-at-Anns of the House, whose death was reported yesterday, in doing so he spoke in fooling terms of the fidelity with which tho deceased performed tlie duties of an officer of the House. The motion was supported by Hon MacDonald ,Messrs Holland and Atmore, and was carried. On the motion of the Premier tlie lions© adjourned till 7.30 as a mark ol respect to tlie late Seryt.-at-Arins. The House resumed at .7.30 p.m. At the evening sitting, tlie following Bils were read a second time.—Judicature Amendment Bill, (Hon. Lee); Municipal Corporations Biil, (Hon. Anderson) ; Revocation of Naturalisation Amendment Bill, (Hon Anderson). Tho House rose at 11 p.m. JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY (Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, July 13. QUESTIONS. Questions and notices of motion occupied members for an hour or so this aftohioon, before the House adjourned tiM the evening, as a mark of respect to the late Sergeant-at-Arms. Air Potter (Roskill) suggested that Government should give the opportunity for a full debate, before releasing any conscientious objectors. IRELAND’S WOES.

Air Holland gave notice of motion relating to Ireland. The motion claims for “ Our kith and kin in Ireland, that full measure of self-determination for which the soldiers of New Zealand, including many soils of Ireland, believed they were fighting,” and expresses unqualified condemnation of the military occupation of Ireland. Mr Massey said he hoped the motion would be examined by the Speaker before it was placed on the Order Paper. " The motion probably will be amended before it reaches tlie Order Paper, and in any case, it is not in the least likely to come before the House. CHAIR AT AN OF COAIMITTEES. Mr -Massey gave notice to re-elect Mr Malcolm as Obairnia-n of Committees. A 1 blisters gave notice to appoint Select Committees. BILLS INTRODUCED. Several Government Bills were introduced. The Customs Amendment Bill permits tlie Customs Department, when assessing duty on imported goods, to convert foreign money either at the mintage rate or commercial rate. The Bill is intended to remove the hardship that has caused complaint among importers of foreign goods, owing to the varying rates of exchange. The .Masseurs’ Registration Bill provides for the registration of persons qualified to give massage treatment. Unregistered masseurs will not be peiniitted, after two years, to work in .hospitals. Tlie New Zealand Institute Amendment Bill increases the Government subsidy to the Institute from £SOO to £IOOO.

The Counties Bill consolidates the law relating to Counties. The Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill, which is also before the House is a similar consolidation. Some amendments to Counties and Municipal Corporations law are to ho brought down by the Government, later in the session. MUNICIPAL. WELLINGTON, July 13. During the evening, the Municipal Corporations Bill was read a second time, after discussion largely on the subject of trading rights of'municipalities. Labour members thought that the aities should have additional rights with extra rating powers, to support extended enterprises. The Minister for Internal Affairs thought municipalities had enough power already. NATURALISATION. The Revocation of Naturalisation Amendment Bill was also read a second time, after several members had suggested that Government should deal more lightly with aliens than during the war period. Mr Holland, (ieadei of the Labour Party), declared that nfttnalisation papers, passports and permits were mere relies of the jungle and that national distinctions were mostly dynastic and capitalistic in origin, but tiie House was not impressed. The Min ister said that he believed tile need for the act would disappear very quickly. He was willing to consider the advisability of granting the right of appeal. new minister. Sir Heaton Rhodes, Ellesmere, as predicted, is to join the Ministry, with the portfolio of Defence.