PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1923, Page 1

PARLIAMENT

[by telegraph—run press association.]

WELLINGTON, July 28 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Dining its sitting on Friday afternoon, the Legislative Council passed the following Bills-—State Advances Amendment, Rent Restriction Continuance and Insurance Coy’s. Deposits Amendment. The Industrial and Provident Society’s amendment was read a second time. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.00 p.m. The House was- occupied the whole of its sitting, discussing the Estimates, the debate on the first item continuing from :j p.m. until 1.30 a.m., when Mr Holland moved that the item he reduced hy £2 as :m indication that old age pensions be increased, 'ibis was defeated hy 29 to 22. The discussion was then continued until 2.5 a.m. when Mr Holland moved to report progress. This was discussed for some time when a com; remise was arranged, Air Massey promising that no Estimates would be taken for which departmental reports were not down.

The amendment was then withdiaau and the first item £03,035 for the Legislative Department passed. The House rose at 2.30 a.m. till 2.30 p.m. on Monday.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. Ministers gave the following amongst other answers to questions on the Older Paper:— That negotiations for a reduction in overseas freights on dairy produce are in progress at the present time, and any assistance Ministers can give towards bringing about a favorable decision will be given with pleasure. That a short Land Bill containing minor amendments .will be introduced, hut. it is not proposed this session to further extend the existing provisions relating to the acquisition of the free bold of national endowment lands. That the Public Service Commissioner advises that in only temporarily lilling the position of Secrtary of Marine, his sole regard has been the eHiciont and economical management o( the Bi-puri mi'tit. The Public Service ( oinmissioner fiiriher advises that he would appreciate an appeal Irom any officer or group of officers who consider that- their interests are being prejudiced bv the present arrangement. That the method proposed to be adopted by the Customs Department in assessing the value of, and in determining special duties which should bo imposed on, German and Austrian goods was set out in a “Gazette” notification published on May 31st last. That the extent iu which railway rates can lie altered must, of course, h i governed by the slate of the railway and other finances, and it is hoped that a filial decision will he arriv’d at shortly as to Ihe extent to which reductions can lie made on existing charges. That the Main Highways Act was passed to enable main roads to ho I-opt in better nrdor, and until such tin." as it is ascertained how this or.g.vi snlion will function, the Government does not intend to consider any increase iu subsidy to County Councils.