House of Representatives.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 311, 12 November 1910, Page 5

House of Representatives.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to Mr Wilford, the Premier stated that tenders had been invited for the erection of four wireless telegraph stations in the Dominion. These had not yet been received. He hoped the stations would he operating within twelve months. The second reading of the New Zealand Loans Amendment Bill was moved by Sir J. G. Ward and agreed to after a short discussion. The second reading of the Old Age Pensions Amendment Bill was moved by Sir J. G. Ward, who said the main features of the Bill was to allow of a pensioner having £SO acqmylated savings in addition of house and furniture to the value of £340. The Act, so far as it related to married couples, was amended so as to provide that no greater deduction in respect of property that £340 shall be made. This would result in increased pensions being payable to married couples. The extra cost involved in amendments to the Act for the last two years was £26,000. Mr Massey said the Bill was mainlydesigned to remedy a mistake made in the Act of last year, which had, in many instances, actually reduced pensions, instead of increasing them aa intended. Ho trusted the passing of the Bill would remove complaints against the old age pensions law. The second reading was agreed to and the House w:nt into Committee. Sub-section 1 of the Licensing Bill, clause 34, forbidding the use of premises as a place of roaort for the consumption of liquor, was amended, on the motion of Sir J. G. Ward, by making the clause apply only to a nolicense district.

Mr Jenning3 moved to add a new clause, providing that r.lause 27 of the Bill (which provides for licensing poll 3 being taken periodically after the determination to restore licenses) shall only apply until electors residing in the iiohc Pctae shall have declared themselves in favour of licenses being granted in that district. Sub-clauses provided for a poll being taken on the question whether or not licenses shall bs granted by a three-fourths majority to decide the issyie,

Mr Taylor, c.i Chi isichurch, and Mr Poole opposed the clause, as it would interfere with the compact entered into by Maoris and Europeans that the King Country should be kept clear of the liquor traffic. Sir J. G. Ward eaid it was not right in view of the large native population in the King Country, that the Bill should apply to that distirct at the present time. On division the clause was rejected by 53 votes to 13. The House rose at 5.30 p.m.

On resuming the Licensing Bill was further considered in Committee. Mr Rangihiroa secured the insertion of a new clause, giving natives the right of local option. A number of consequential amendments were carried and the Bill was reported with the amendments.

The New Zealand Loans Amendment Bill passed its final stages, and the Old Ago Pensions Amendment Bill also passed.

Sir J. G. Ward announced that he had received a cable from the High Commissioner announcing the flotation of a loan of £500,0,000 at 3A per cent., the rale being 81'J• The third reading of the Licensing Bill was ipoved by Sir J. G. Ward, and a lengthy debate ensued. Sir J. G. Ward replied, and the Bill passed its final stages.