PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 492, 9 October 1909, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

PROPOSED BILES. ETotice has been given of the following Bills;—Mr Sidey, New Zealand Local Time Bill; Hou. Sir W. J. Steward, Elective Executive Bill ; Mr Herdman, Public Service Bill; Mr Sidey, Education Act Amendment Bill; Mr Fisher, Ab solute Majority Bill ; Mr Hogg, Flour Duty- Abolition Bill ; Mr Laurenson, Beer Duty Amendment Bill ; Mr Sidey, New Zealand Society of Musicians Bill ; Mr M’Laren, Marine Accidents Bill ; Mr Herdman, Coal Mines Act Amendment Bill; Hon. Sir W J. Steward, Marriage Act Amendment Bill ; Mr Laurenson, Licens ing Act Amendment Bill. The address to his Excellency, in reply to his Speech, will Vie moved in the House by Mr Smith , the new member for Rangitikei, and seconded by Mr Buxtoii, member for Geraldine, whilst* in the Council the mover ot the Address-in-Reply will be the Hon. R. A. Loughnan, and the seconder will be the Hon. J. Barr. THE OPENING DAY. Wellington,’October 7. The second session of the seventeenth Parliament ot New Zealand was opened this afternoon in brilliant weather by bis Excellency the Governor. The Governor’s Speech dealt with the effect of financial disturbances, customs, revenue, and retrenchment, defence measures, loans, and the Webster claims, and outlined the business for the session. LEGISLATIVE COUNCILThe Sergeant-at-Anns bore the new mace ordered by Sir Joseph Ward while he was in London, It is plated with gold some five feet in length, and was the object of much attention. It is a replica of that used in the House of Commons, except that there is an extra panel displaying the Southern Cross and the initials “ N.Z,” The Hon. R. A. Loughnan gave notice that he would move the Address-in-Reply. The Council adjourned until Tuesday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 3 p.m. Mr R. W. Smith, member for Rangitikei, took the oath and his seat. Mr Massey asked if anything would be done to have the claims of old soldiers inquired into. Mr Taylor asked if old age pensioners having property would be placed on the same footing as those without property. Mr Malcolm moved for a return showing the number of Civil servants dismissed under the retrenchment scheme. Mr Okey moved for a return showing the state of the frozen meat trade. Mr Hogg moved for a return showing the Native Lands leased in the King Country, with the terms of lease. Mr Hogg gave notice to introduce a Bill to abolish the flourditty. Mr Laurenson gave notice of the introduction of an amended Licensing Act. Mr Taylor asked if steps would be taken to alter the constitution of the Post Office Savings Banks, so that it would serve the purpose of a Dominion Bank with the sole right of note issue. Mr Malcolm asked the Premier if two Local Bills Committees could be set up to facilitate business, and the Premier said he would consider the suggestion. Sir Joseph Ward made a statement regarding the mace. On the day of his departure the Speaker wrote to him pointing out that the mace had been destroyed by fire, and asking him to make arrangements for procuring a new one, which he did. The one in the House was a replica of that in the British House of Commons. It bore the inscription : ‘ ‘ Presented to the Speaker and the House of Representatives with respect and esteem of the Prime Minister and his colleagues. Wellington, 7th October.” (Cheers.!. The Speaker returned thanks ou behalf of himself and the House, and on the motion of Sir Wm. Steward and Mr Massey, the House recorded its thanks. ' The Premier, in reply to Mr Massey, said he proposed to take the Reply-to-the-Address on Tuesday (to be moved by the new member for Rangitikei), and moved the adjournment of the House until 2.30 to-morrow. Both Houses passed a vote of condolence on the death of Mr Remington.