PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 462, 17 June 1909, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, June 15.

The House met at 11.30 o’clock,

On the motion by the Premier that returns showing the loans to local bodies should be on the table, a discussion arose on the general question. Sir Joseph Ward said he recognised the importance of the subject, and when in London he would try to arrange for loans for local bodies at a low rate of interest, but the Government could do nothing now.

Wellington, June 16,

The House met at 10.30

In reply to Mr T. E. Taylor, the Premier said that the Government would go into the question of granting old-age pensions to people possessing homes without making any reduction on the full pension. In answer to Mr Jennings, the Premier said he would make full enquiries into the question of provision for old soldiers, and set up a permanent body to make recommendations, otherwise there would be no finality in the matter. Mr Taylor asked if, in view of the amount set apart for an increase in rolling stock, the men dismissed from the Addington workshops would be reinstated ? Sir Joseph Ward said he could not give any assurance, beyond promising that if sufficient work offered they would be taken on again.

The Premier moved the third reading of the Finance Bill. Mr Massey said Sir Joseph Ward had not given due credit to the Wellington members. They could have obstructed business in the House, and did not.