PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 81, 4 August 1915, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

I'f.h Pni:ss Awsooivnox. Wellington, August 3. Tn the Lower House this afternoon, in reply to Mr G. W. Russell, who drew attention to a report that a hand grenade had been invented by an Australian, and was more effective and could be manufactured twice as cheaply ns the standard grenade, the Minister for Defence attention had been drawn report, but he was under the impression that the Federal Minister for Defence was investigating the merits of the grenade. If he was not doing so. as the report seemed to suggest, he (Mr Allen) would be pleased to make inquiries concerning the invention. In reply to Dr. Thacker, the Prime Minister said that there was no legislation compelling the withdrawal <>l dirty bank notes, but tins had generally been done by arrangement between tbe banks.

J Sir Joseph Ward asked the Prime .Minister if he proposed to ask tbe House to pass any resolution on the (war, in connection with the declaration dav celebrations. He thought it 'would have a good effect if the House ' t lid s o.—Mr Massey said that be projposed to give the House an opportunity to-morrow afternoon of expressing jits determination to see the war 'through, and the House would ad-jjourn"to-morrow night, when members could participate in local celebrai . tions. The Hon. Dr. Buddo moved the 'second reading of the Lights on Vehicles Bill. He explained that it was intended to render compulsory the carrying of lights at night, the motion being carried. The Crimes Act Amendment Bill was reported from committee without amendment; read a third time and [passed. \ The House vent into committee to consider several amendments made till the War Pensions Bill by tthe Secret Defence Committee, and alter Lome discussion the amendments 'were agreed to. Tower was given to the hoard to grant a totally disabled soldier an additional sum. not exceeding ten shillings per week, if satisfied that the services of an attendant were indispensable, and that the. •soldier is not possessed of means to pay for such services. A new clause was added to the special provisions as toj wives and children of Native members of the forces, in the direction of recognising marriages in accordance with Native custom. , ,

I A clause was also added making provision for pensions to parents of .deceased members, whose means may in the future become inadequate. The Bill was reported with amendments, and read a third time. ; The House adjourned at 4.45 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.