PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 86, 1 August 1914, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. [Pes Pbess Association.] Wellington, July 31. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Imprisonment for Debt Limitation Bill was road a first time. The Fruit Preserving Industry Bill was read a first time,.and referred to the Agricultural Committee. The Local Elections Polls Amendment and the Harbors Amendment Bills were referred to the Statutes .Revision Committee. The Victoria College Bill was read a second time and referred to the Education Committee. The Council adjourned at 2.40 p.m. till Wednesday.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. AFTERNOON SESSION. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Eltham Drainage Reform Bill (Mr Wilkinson) was read a first time. Mr Russell, in introducing the Legislative Council Bill, explained that the Bill'provided for an elective Council. All the present councillors would retire on the passing of the Bill, retaining their privileges and emoluments for a period for which they have been appointed, but would be eligible for the election. The-Cham-ber would comprise 40 members, and the qualification would be thp same as for the House. The method of election would be either by proportional representation or transferable vote in grouped electorates, two members being elected for every four existing constituencies. '

■Mr Massey, in the discussion of the lands report, traversed the land settlement operations of his Government. Sir Joseph Ward contended that the country had a right to know why the funds of the Advances to Settlers Department was being used for new purposes. It meant an extra burden of many millions. Money intended for improvements and homes should not be diverted to the purchase of the freehold of leasehold lands. Mr .Witty said he wanted it made plain that he did not object to money being advanced to settlers, but he did object to money borrowed by the State being sent out for the purchase of freehold.

The motion to print the report was agreed to. The House then went into committee on the Licensing Bill.

Dealing with the statement by Mr Wilford, the Premier said he favored provision to prevent loss of licenses by the alteration of boundaries, but objected to any retrospective legislation.

Sir Joseph Ward agreed that it was wrong to over-ride the law hy alteration of the boundaries of electorates. After a lengthy discussion,'Mr Bell substituted for his printed amendment another providing that Electoral Commissioners be instructed not to include any licensed houses in a nolicense district. Thi* was carried on the voices, and added to the Bill. Mr Hine moved an amendment designed to prevent liquor being supplied to"youths by houses holding wholesale licenses. This was carried on the voices. A new clause, moved by Mr Wilford, providing that a woman who has obtained a divorce shall be allowed to* hold a license, was carried on the voices.

The schedules were then passed, and the Bill was reported with amendments.

In' reply to Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Massey said the Financial Statement would be brought down next week, I but not on Tuesday. The House rose at 11.53 p.m.