PARLIAMENT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 496, 31 August 1912, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

GOVERNMENT LAND PURCHASES. THE RUNANGA ESTATE. COMMITTEE TO ENQUIRE. [IIV Ti:i.K<;jt Al'll.-- I'RI.SS VNSOCIA'J'ION.J Wellinj*Lon r Firday. Tlia House mot at half past two and went into committee on the Estimates and general discussion ensued. Sir Joseph Ward slated ho would draw the attention of tho House to the fact that it had been inferred there was not much activity being displayed in connection with the surveying of Crown Lamia. Jlo quoted figures to show that there waa general activity in tho matter. Ho stated there had been more surveyors at work in the Auckland district during the past two years than at any other time.

Mr G. W. Russell drew attention to tho speech delivered by the Hon. Mr Massoy recently that he would reduce the Government expenditure, yet his own estimates showed an increase of .C4.>l,(Hlu over last year. Mr Ilino referred to Mr Russells' connection with the purchase of Runanga estate, and said ho thought after the Hine charges such matterH would better been left alone by members.

Mr J. A. ] human said tho purchase of the e.sl.ato had boon for the bonolit of the .State and people. Negotiations had been entered into for tho purchase of the estate three years before Mr Russell became owner. Mr Russell said in connection with Runanga, ho was prepared to meet any commit.tee the House liked to set up and have the whole matter thoroughly thrashed out. Mr Massey said he would tako tho last opportunity of moving that the whole matter be referred to tno Lands Committee for investigation. Mr Russell and others could then go before tho committee, and tho matter would bo thoroughly ventilated. lie hoped members would refrain from again referring to the matter.

Mr Laurenson said as to increased expenditure that with tho extending of services of state it was impossible to obviate an expansion in expenditure.

Sir.Joseph Ward said he believed the oil industry was worthy of the greatest consideration, but it would bo carefully dealt wlh. Jf an export were secured, his report should not,bo allowed to be used by private indviduals and companies. Mr Okoy contend'".! that the oil industry was expanding considerably. lie suggested that the High Commissioner should have full reports of the progresa of the industry. Mr Ell said the quest ion of tho conservation of the white, pine forest for the supply of timber for butter and cheese cases was one which required the attention of the Minister. Not half enough was being done in connection with the Forest'-y Department. An odicer should be stationed in each land district to induce people to plant, and plant scientifically. If good forests were not obtainable hero they should be imported. The"Hon, A. L. Hordman deprecated the making of temporary appointments to the public service, Past experience had proved (hat the system was unsound.