PARLIAMENT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8879, 2 August 1907, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Legislative Council.

Per Press Association. Wellington, August 1. The Council met at 2.30. The Hon. K. McDonald moved a motion to the effect that some memorial, if possible, of various Councillors who have held the position of Speaker should be obtained. The motion was agreed to and referred to the House Committee. Rotorua Town Bill was read a second time. The Pure Food Bill was referred to a Select Committee. Council rose at 3.15.

House of Representatives

Per Pi ess Association Wellington, August 1. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Laud Agents’ Bill was taken in Committee. In the clause giving the interpretation of a laud agent the Committee struck out the reference to a licensed land broker under the Lauds Transfer Act. Mr Witty moved to amend the clause by providing that “auctioneer” only moans the owner of a license, and does not include any agent instructed by him to sell. This was agreed to on the voices. At the clause providing for laud agents to be licensed the Hon. Fo wills said the clause was preference to unionists of the worst kind, as it absolutely shut out people who , attempted to make an honest living by engaging in a business which was otherwise legitimate. They hnd passed a deal of restrictive legislation, but there vas nothing so drastic as this on the Statute Book. Mr Major disagreed with this view, stating, that a measure of this kind was necessary in order to protect the community from disreputable agents. Mr T. Mackenzie said the member in charge, of the Bill desired to inaugurate another close corporation. He moved to report progress. Mr Mauder opposed the motion, which was lost. Mr Stallworthy moved an amendment which would enable a person to carry on the business of a laud agent without possessing a license, but ho could not recover fees or commission. , „ , , . The amendment was defeated by 53 to 9. , Mr Malcolm moved an amendment providing that in the case of firms it would be sufficient if one member or regular employee was the holder of a license. The House adjourned at 5.80. The House resumed at 73.0. Mr Malcolm’s amendment was lost by 35 to 17. ‘Sub-section of clause 4 providing that applicaants for a license should provide a fidelity bond of £SOO was struck out. A further sub-clause of clause 4 was amended to provide that an application shall at the next meeting of the local authority be dealt with and granted unless the local authority otherwise determine. An amendment to clause 5, to make the license fee payable to the local authority was carried. An amendment to clause 5, to make the license fee £l, was rejected. Mr Witty, the member in charge of the Bill, moved a further amendment to make the license. £3. Tiie discussion on the amendment was prolonged unti 11.15, when a motion by Mr Jennings to report progress was negatived. Mr Witty’s amendment was subsequently carried. At clause 6, providing for substitute acting on the payment of 10s, Mr Allison moved that the payment of 10s be struck out. August 3.

The Labour Bills Oommitee to-day adjourned consideration of Mr Flatman’s Agricultural Labourers Accommodation Bill' for a week _ in order to notify the organised bodies, so that representations on the subject may be offered by all desirous of doing so ou that da£e. A similar course was adopted in regard to Mr Major’s Bank Holiday? Bill.