PARLIAMENT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 498, 7 September 1912, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

THE ESTIMATES. |_IIY TKLKUHAJMI. I'RKSS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Friday. The House mot at, 2.'M) p.m. Mr G. W. Russell drew the attention of the House to the photographs of the Ministry appearing in tho School Journal, and said that, to his mind political matters should be excluded from the Journal.

Hn. J. Allen said ho knew nothing of the matter, but. had no objection to tho photograph appearing.

The House then went into Committee to further consider the Estimates.

On the item of £G5 f 7!)2 for public buildings, Mr I'carco asked what tho Government's intentions wcra with regard to the maintenance of two Governor's residences. He thought as a new Governor was coining out tho present was a fitting time, to effect a change so that only ono establishment shall exist.

Mr Forbes agreed with Mr Pearce, and said to test tho feelings of tho Committee on reduction of expenditure in the country he would move to reduce the vote by ,£1 as an indication that only one Government House was necessary.

Mr A. M. Myers said tho removal of

the Government House from Auckland would bo a crime. The building had been established wh?.n Auckland whb

the capital city and may again bo tho capital.

Sir J. G. Ward said from an economical standpoint a certain amount of expense was essential in connection with housing tho representative of tho King and he thought; it was a great pity this question came- up every session.

Hon. W. P. Massey said ho agreed with the member for Avvarua. Ho thought it was a great shame that tho cry of North v. South was continually raised. He Knew there, was a greatamount of sentimental feeling about Government House at Auckland. An arrangement had been entered into with the new Government whereby the houses would be provided for tho Governor at Wellington and Auckland. The Imperial Government had a proprietary interest in tho house and ground. Ho did not think they could interfere without the consent of th'j Imperial authorities. Sir J. G. Ward deprecated tho continued interruption of tho passage of the Estimates by the moving of amendments to reduce items. If ho had his way the whole of tho Estimates would be passed in ono vote, and tho work of the country proceeded with. (Applause.)

MrForbos withdrew his amendment. Mr Lauronson moved to reduce tho vote for Parliamentary Buildings by £1 as an indication that tho Government should, during the recess, make some inquiry an to whether it would not be wise to shift the capital from its present position. Hon. D. Buddo urged the appointment of a commission similar to that set up in ISGIi for the purpose of deciding upon capital, the commission to go thoroughly into_" the matter and report to Parliament. Subsequently Mr Lauronaon withdrew his amendment, expressing his intention to move an amendment at a later date with a view of getting a division on the question. The whole class totalling £107,71)2, was then passed. Unamended class (5, Naiive Department, £2,'J,f>ni, wan passed. The Justice Department vote of £400,1H9. was then considered. In reply to Air Isitt the Minister said provision would he made next session for an alteration of the condition of magistrates. Hon. F.Bell and Mr II an an contended that magistrates should he properly trained, and properly qualified. The House adjourned. The House resumed at 7,.' H) p.m. Consideration oC the Estimates was resumed. In respect to tlie Justice Department, the Hon. W. 11. Her.ries said no more Native .Land Court judges would bo appointed until ho had been through the country, and had ascertained what the position was. Ho hoped to get Judge MeCormack back. The Hon. A. L. llerdman, answering suggestions, admitted the question of salaries of magistrates required serious consideration. The matter of appointing public defenders would involve too, great a cost, and would prevent the plea of guilty. He however, would probably adopt the British Poor Prisoners Defence Act, and ask the House next session to agree to a similar measure. The vote was passed unamended. Tho mines' vote, £1!2,2:!7, passed unamended also the internal affairs vote of £317,891. Tho House rose at, 1.45 a.m.