PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 21, 11 September 1914, Page 7

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [Pee tuaati AsaouiAXio.N.j Wellington, September IU. The Mortgages Extension Act, Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor's Message. The AttorneyGeneral explained that the first Act passed had resulted in locking i-p money. The amending measure provided for persons to contract themselves out of the principal Act, and enabled trustee to advance money. Considerable discussion followed, and in the course of his reply Hon. Herdman pointed out that many pool people had money in savings banks ami building societies. These depositors would not be able to withdraw their money uuless such banks and societies had the power to collect their money;-:. Assistance to sawniillers who had catered into contracts to cut timber before the war would be considered. On further discussion in committeLMr Itussell suggested an amendment which had for its purpose the prevention of shareholders in a building society taking advantage of section 6 of the principal Act. The Minister asked that the amendment be held over for the present. The amendment was defeated.

Speaking upon the third reading, the Postmaster-General stated that the Post Office Savings Bank returns had returned to normal. In August the withdrawals had been abnormal, but since then deposits had come in, but before making definite statements no wanted to see the returns upon the 14th inst.

Mr Massey endorsed the remarks ol the Postmaster-General. There \vu& a fear that the Trade and Commerce Act would hamper trade, and he thought that New Zealand would get through the present crisis without any hardships. After further discussion, the Bill passed all stages. A long discussion took place upon the report of the Native Committee with regard to the ownership of some native land in the Cook Islands.

The report was referred back to the committee.

After reports of special committee,, were received, the House rose at 11.50 p.m.