PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 37, 18 May 1916, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. DEBATE ON ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Per Press Association. Wellington, May 17. The Council met at 2.30 p.ra. The Hon. A. T. Maginnity moved the Address-in-Reply to the Governor’s Speech. He outlined the cases which led to the formation of the National Cabinet. The work accomplished justified the confidence of the country. He admitted some mistakes hud been made, but the virtue shown far outweighted any errors. He believed the administrators and the Government had the welfare of • the country at heart and had the true patriotic spirit mixed pure and equal to any difficulty that may arise. It was not wise, right or proper for labor troubles to obtrude at the present time. He hoped the proposed amendments to the Pensions Act would be drawn upon a most liberal scale. The Hon. W. Beeham seconded, and congratulated the National Government on the recent work accomplished, and in aiding the Motherland in the hour of need. He supported conscription. The Hon. J. P ( jiul denied that the workers had made unnecessary trouble. He pointed out that their enlistments had been as numerous as those from any other section. He defended the application by the railwaymen for increased pay on account of the increased cost of living, which left no alternative, arid he thought war profits should be nationalised. Ho asserted that voluntary enlistment had produced wonderful results, and he opposed conscription on principle. Canada, South Africa, and Australia would not have conscription. If we were forced to have conscription it must be self evident that wc are not as loyal as they. Equality of sacrifice should be demanded from all and expenditure on luxuries should be prevented.

The motion was carried and the Council adjourned at 4.25 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. The House of Representatives met at 2.30, i ; ; ’ ' ■ Mr T. K. Sidey gave notice of his intention to introduce the Definition of Time Bill. Hon. J. Allen stated that the majority of the wounded New Zealanders would in future be treated in England. Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey stated that the question of allowing military pensioners to participate in the benefits of 015-age pensions was before Cabinet, and he promised a statement prior to the close of the session. Mr Massey also stated that the Government had decided to co-operate with the Commonwealth in assisting tosend a relief ship to the Antarctic, and was also meeting the liability already incurred by the Aurora. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY.

The debate on the Addresa-m-Reply was resumed by Mr R. McCallum (Wairau), who deplored the stringent -V military and social distinctions which > our men were forced to undergo whilst -ii abroad. He cited cases where men were not allowed to enter certain, hotels in Cairo that were frequented by officers, some of whom were much inferior to the men in social scale m their private life. Men in Egypt were prohibited from travelling first-class in trains. More attention should be paid to the quality of the munitions served to our men, who, should be as efficiently equipped as the enemy. Bon. D. Buddo (Kaiapoi), complained of the prices charged troops at camp canteens. He cited a case of fruit that was purchased a few miles , from the camp at 2d per lb, and sold at the canteen at 5d and 6d. Many similar instances were quoted, and Mr Buddo > suggested that canteen leases should be cancelled and that the State run the whole thing, or else free trade should be allowed. Mr H. G. Ell followed on the same lines as Mr McCallum. Mr A. E. Glover (Auckland Central) pleaded for review of the question of cost of living and the exploiting of the poor, Mr C. A. Wilkinson (Egmont), considered that the National Government had justified its existence, and regretted that attacks had been made by " some speakers on individual members of the Cabinet. Mr R. A. Wright supported the National Government, because it was the best that could be found under the circumstances. Mr J. T. M. Hornsby (Wairarapa), while not agreeing with all that had been done, said he would not withhold his measure of credit for the splendid work accomplished by the Defence Department. After the dinner adjournment, Mr A. H. Hindmarsh (Wellington South), resumed the debate. Mr P. Wobh (Grey) strongly urged the claims of the men who had returned from the war to fullest consideration. The House rose at 11.30 p.m.