PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 500, 28 October 1909, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

Wku.inoton October 26.

After formal business, the Premier moved a vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Hon. G. F. Richardson, formerly a Minister of the Crown, to whom he paid a high tribute as a man and public servant,• v Mr Massey seconded. The Premier also moved a vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Mr J. F. Kelling, exmemher of the House of Representatives. Mr Massey seconded. It was suggested that tablets commemorative of the deceased members should be placed in the House. Both motions were agreed to. The following Bills, introduced by Governor’s Message, were read a first time : New Zealand Slate Guaranteed Advances Bill, and Land and Income Tax Bill, Sir Joseph Ward moved the second reading of the Public Works and Eand Settlement Bill. He said that the public indebtedness was frequently criticised and figures cited to show a huge increase, but it was not fair to mention it without stating how the money was invested; The Opposition’s attitude ol criticising Government finance while demanding expenditure on public works was indefensible and inconsistent. Mr Massey condemned the unseemly haste in bringing in the Bill providing for the million loan, when the House was only just informed of the financial position. The Dominion was too dependent upon borrowed money and there was too much secrecy observed in regard to the financial operations of the Government. He charged the Premier with misleading the country in regard to the recent loan. He was glad to see thy Government go out of the couutre for its loans, and declared there was a deficiency on the first six months of the year of ,£125,000, yet the Treasurer, by bringing forward a surplus from last year, made out a credit balance which was unbusinesslike. He expected that before the session ended proposals for increased taxation would be put before the House. He urged that something be done to encourage British investors to invest money iu the Dominion. Money was dearer for the past twelve mouths than ever for the past eighteen years. The debate was continued by Messrs Allen, Herries, Hon. R. McKenzie, Fang, Eanrenson, Wright and W. Jennings. ■