PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1926, Page 1

PARLIAMENT

[by telegraph—per press association THE COUNCIL. WELLLIN'GTON) Aug. 31. Tlio Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. Several spankers opposed the principle of extending tenants the protection of the law when the Kent Restriction Bill came up for, the second, reading. Sir It. Stout contended the efTect of the Act had been to retard house building and Mr Malcolm, also hoped the legislation would be done away with. Mr Ear ash aw said lie believed the result of the Act had been to keep up rents nnd contended that the Bill would benefit landlords rather than tenants. Mr Garland said ho would like to see the legislation lapse for twelve months, and then another Act could bo passed next session if found necessary. Mr Allison argued tho Act should never have been put on the statute hook. It had inflicted much hardship on landlords and had discouraged building. But for State Advances the housing position to-day would bo much worse than it- was. In committee on the Bill Mr Smith moved that the law expire on Ist March next instead oi Ist August. An even di\ision occurred, and Mr Barr (Chairman of Committees) gave his casting vote in favour of the. Bill ns it stood. The Bill was passed with a technical amendment which was subsequently agreed to by tlie House. Lights on Vehicles Amendment Bill was put through the final stages and passed. Lands Laws Amendment Bill. Local Elections and Polls Amendment Bill and Veterinary Surgeons Bill were read a second time pro forma and referred to tho committee. The Council adjourned until day. THE HOPSE. Tho House met at 2.30 p.m. Mr Lee (Oamarn) brought down the report of the special committee set up to consider the Motor and Omnibus Regulations. The report which was 10ferred to tho Government for favourable consideration recommended, inter alia, that tho Motor Bus Regulations should he superceded by a statute giving bus owners the right to ask tramway owners to buy them out at valuation. At the evening sitting the Minister of Customs brought down amendments to the customs tariff to increase duties on American ears and American timber. Resolutions were agreed and a Bill confirming the duties will be introduced on Friday. Dentists Amendment Bill was read a second time : Main Highways Amendment Bill and “Washing Up” Bill were also read a second time without debate. The House rose at 12.15 a.m. till 2.30 p.m.