PARLIAMENT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 300, 5 October 1910, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

[HY TKLWiKAI'H. — I'KF.SS ASSOCIATION'.] Wellington, Last Night. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to Mr Buxton, the Minister of Lands said the Government could not allow the runs in the McKenzie country to remain in their present position, and as soon as the committee furnished its report to the House the decision of the Government would be announced. Hon. D. Buddo, Minister for Internal Affairs, gave notice that; on next sitting day he would ask leave to introduce the Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill. On the motion that the amendments in the Defence Bill, made in Committee, be agreed to, Sir Joseph Ward explained the alterations made in Committee and expressed his approval of them. Before the new law had been in operation many years he expected to find men in the defence forces taking a great interest in the work, and it would be regarded as an horiour to belong to the forces. He looked forward with hope to a satisfactory working of the Act, but anticipated that it might be necessary to make alterations at a future time owing to the development of the country. Mr J. Allen considered too much had been left to the regulations. He had, however, been anxious to see the main provisions carried. He was far from thinking the Bill perfect, and agreed with the Minister for Defence that in all probability it would have to be amended in a year or two. He was afraid that if attempts were made to force the compulsory clauses of the Bill with reference to camps on territorials, it would result in the men leaving. He again desired to express disapproval of having the territorial and general training system placed side by side. He, however, would accept the present proposals as they would certainly result in a more efficient defence system, and one which gave value for the money spent. Sir Joseph Ward, in replying, said, in regard to training of territorials and the amount of drill they were to receive in camp, this would be dealt with in the regulations. When in camp the men would receive pay and rations, and it would not be unreasonable that they should be called upon to serve six days a year in camp. Strictly speaking, there were not two systems, as if a sufficient number of men voluntarily joined the territorials there was no necessity to enforce the compulsory system. In regard to noncommissioned officers, who would be prevented by the new regulations from serving the full term, to earn war medals, he considered they should receive favourable consideration. He would undertake to see that this was done.

The report was agreed to. On the motion that the Bill be read a third time, Mr Massey congratulated Parliament on finding a solution to the number of difficulties presented by the Bill. It was a great pity so much of the defence system was left to regulations. He urged the keeping out of political influence in the selection of officers. The debate was continued by Messrs Newman, Forbes, Buchanan and Jennings. The House rose at 5.30 p.m.

EVENING SITTING. A further discussion took place on the third reading of the Defence Bill, which ultimately passed. The Education Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. The Land Settlement and Finance Bill was further considered in Committee. Sir Joseph Ward moved to amend clause 2 by making the maximum value of an allotment that can be taken up at £2500, or an increase of £SOO on the original proposal without altering the area. The amendment was carried on the voices. Mr Duncan (Wairau) moved to strike out the area limitation. The Premier would not accept the amendment, which was lost on a division by 35 votes to 26. Mr Malcolm moved a further amendment, fixing the minimum of allotments at 10 acres, which was also defeated. The Premier moved an amendment to reduce the minimum of allotments to 25 acres. At 3 a.m. Mr Herries moved to report progress. Mr Massey objected to the methods of conducting business, which he

characterised as disgraceful. Sir J. G. Ward said he asked the Committee to help him to get some work done. Very little had been done so far. Mr Herries said the Act was passed last year after 2 a.m., and in consequence there were eleven clauses to be amended. At 4 a.m. a division on the motion to report progress was lost by 28 votes to 21. Sir Joseph Ward's amendment was eventually carried by 28 votes to 21. Mr Malcolm moved to report progress. The chairman ruled him out of order on the question whether a certain Committee should sit at 10.30 in the morning. Clause 2 was passed. A verbal amendment re licensed surveyors was interrupted by an adjournment at S a.m. for breakfast.