PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 462, 15 June 1909, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

The House met at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday, when the debate on the Address-in-Reply and Mr Massey’s amendment to strike out the words approving of the adjournment of Parliament during the Prime Minister’s absence, was resumed.

Mr D. Buick said he considered it the duty ot the House to confirm the Government’s offer of a Dreadnought, but that offer should have been first submitted to Parliament. He approved of the Premier going to England, where he would learn a lesson or two, but Parliament should not be interrupted by his going. Young men were leaving this country because there was no chance for them here as things are. He was not going to be a “dumb dog” as were Government supporters. Mr J. P. Luke said he was going to vote for the amendment. In regard to the postponement of business, it was time we had an end of this one-man Ministry. The Premier was in this respect putting the question of party before the true interests of the Dominion. The Hons. Carroll or Millar were thoroughly fit to lead the House in Sir Joseph Ward’s absence. The foundation of current distress was the land question. He was in favour of the leasehold system.

The Hon. A. W. Hogg commenced with a reply to Mr Buick’s reference to dumb dogs. All the growls came from the Opposition side of the House. He had been described as a fly in amber, and it was wondered how he got into the Ministry. His position in the Ministry was not due to any solicitation on his part. For the last twenty years the Opposition had had its eyes on the Treasury Benches. They were just as near to-day as they were twenty years ago. Quite recently it had been suggested that Mr Masssey should become something approaching a Minister.

Mr Hogg said the industries of the country had multiplied and prospered during the last few years. The member for Manawatu —who was always shouting freehold—was a retailer of What he called "Tory ice-cream,” Which would not go down the palates of the people. . The State, instead of banks, should have the right of issuing notes. Mr Buchanan expressed approval of the Imperialistio views of the Government, and strong disapproval of the postponement of the business of the session for three months.

Mr Russell opposed the amendment and commended the Dreadnought gift, but objected to universal training.

Mr Thomson (Dunedin North) was disappointed at the irrelevancy of the debate.', He objected to Parliament adjourning. Sir Joseph Ward ought to be Lord and Staff of Awarua.

Mr Guthrie supported the amendment .which Messrs Clark, Anderson, Pearce and McLaren opposed. '

Mr Mander said the demand for the leasehold by city members was never filled. i Mr Malcolm condemned the extravagance in celebrating the opening of the Public Trust Office.

Messrs Scott, Dive, Mander and Wright supported the amendment* Mr Graham, said the Premier could only rely on two of his Ministers to lead the House during his absence.

The amendment words ‘ and that an early prorogation of Parliament take place ’ be deleted from the Address-in-Reply,”- was then put, and on division it was lost by 45 to 29.

The Premier moved that Mr T. M. Wilford be appointed Chairman of Committees.

Mr Massey moved as an amendment that the appointment of Chairman of Committees be held over till next session. He cited the precedent of 1906, on the occasion of the Premier’s visit to the Imperial Conference.

On a division the amendment was lost by 44 to 27. The House rose at 11.10 p.m.

The House met at 10.30 a.m. yesterday. Three local Bills were read a first time.

The Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister for Marine, presented the annual accounts for Harbour Boards. After a lengthy discussion the Dreadnought offer was confirmed. The Finance Bill was- read a first time and the Financial Statement was submitted by the Premier.