PARLIAMENTARY.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1927, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. THE COUNCIL. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. In committee on the Counties Amendment Bill, Sir F. D. Bell intimated in reply to a proposal by Hon. Mclntyre, to bring the Act into line with the Hospital and Education Statutes in respect to payment of members’ travelling allowances, that a general clause was being framed by the Internal Adairs Department applicable to all local bodies.

An additional clause was inserted in tlie Counties’ Amendment Bill providing that after Ist. January, 1928 Councils may make to members a travelling allowance not exceeding the rate prescribed in the Order-in-Council. The Bill was passed as amended. 'l’lie Legislature Amendment Bill was passed with minor amendments made by the Statutes Revision Committee. Consideration of the objection ot the House to an amendment by the Council in the Land for Settlements Amendment Bill was deferred until next sitting day.

The Council adjourned at 4.22 p.m. until Tuesday next. THE HOUSE. The House continued consideration of Customs Tariff Clauses V., VI., VII., VIII.. IX. and portion of X. being passed. In Clauso VIII. the Minister introduced a new item under which British made .gramophone records would ho admitted free and the duty on foreign made records he reduced to 20 per cent, ad valorem, on and after Ist. July next.

The House rose at 1 a.m. till 2.30 p.m. i i

DBEDGING MACHINERY

The question of the possible restriction of the dredge operations at Rirnu Flat was mentioned in the House tonight by Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, who said that if the duty upon gold dredging machinery were made prohibitive, tbe company now sluicing at Rirnu Flat would have to consider its position. and see whether it would be necessary to curtail the renewals which had become desirable through wear upon the dredge during its work on the field. Dir Seddon suggested that, in view of the position of gold dredging industry, the Minister should consider reducing the general tariff from 20 per cent, to 15 per cent, on gold-dredging machinery.

Dir Downie Stewart said the position was that if dredging machinery could he made in the Dominion there would he a 20 per cent. British preferential duty, and a 40 per cent, foreign duty, but if made outside New Zealand, but within the Empire, it would be admitted free from Britain, with foreign du'tv of 20 per cent. Tf not made in the Empire, it would l>e admitted free - from foreign countries.