SESSION INCIDENTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 458, 13 September 1928, Page 16

SESSION INCIDENTS

Queries and Asides

(THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter)

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Parliament to-day settled down to the usual afternoon programme of reports. The Public Trust Office report and State Advances report were both presented during the afternoon, the latter being talked out. The Methodist Theological College Edson Trust Extension Bill, a private measure with a much simpler purpose than its ominous title would imply, was read a third time and passed. The House in' the evening settled down to the committal of the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Bill and the Auctioneers’ Bill. The latter caused considerable discussion, Mr. J. McCombs objecting to amendments made by the select committee. Finally, however, the Bill was put through unamended. The Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill was put through the second reading and the House rose at 12.35 a.m. “ HI Remember” One of the bright items in the summer-time debate was an effort made by Mr. W. D. Lysnar to score a point of order on some remarks made by Mr. T. Forsyth (Wellington East), who, Mr. Lysnar asserted, had mentioned his (Mr. Lysnar’s) own name, a proceeding against the rules of the House. To this Mr. Forsyth responded that he had done nothing of the sort, and the point accordingly lapsed. But this did not satisfy Mr. Lysnar. He got up and paused in front of Mr. Forsyth. "I’ll remember you, my boy. I’ll remember you,” he said, and walked out of the Chamber. Shadows Before

In the dinner adjournment to-day members had the opportunity of seeing a demonstration by “Argus,” the boy clairvoyant, who was allowed to demonstrate his powers in the large reception room in the old building, an apartment once sacred to formal receptions in the days when the ancient structure was a vice-regal residence. In this hallowed spot

"Argus” was "at home” to members, and many must have felt a secret urge to ask him how they would fare next November. Cynics are now wondering if the House will resort to tablerapping as its next diversion. This week, next week, some time . . . "Is it the Government’s intention to proceed with the Licensing Bill this

week?” asked Mr. J. McCombs today. The effort to draw the Prime Minister failed signally.

"It is on the cards that the Bill may proceed this week,” he said, "but not earlier than to-morrow.” Members meanwhile noted that the Licensing Bill was in eleventh place on the order paper, in a safe position for this day, at least. * * % Facts and Frightful ness "I feel a good deal of concern about this,” said Mr. H. E. Holland to-day, when discussing the 1928 committee and the Public Trust Office. Mr. Coates: You ought to. Mr. Holland: Yes, in view of the facts I have presented, I do feel concerned. Mr. Coates: Your facts are frightful. Pork Subsidy An announcement that the pork export subsidy and the manner of its distribution was at present under consideration was made in the House by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. O. J Hawken, in reply to a question by Mr. J. G. Elliott (Oroua). The Minister said the details would be made public as soon as they were finalised. ifc gt Married and Deserted While the Matrimonial Causes and Divorce Bill was being discussed in committee by the House Mr. H. G. R. Mason (Eden) asked if any relief could be given to a New Zealand girl married to an American sailor when the American fleet was here, and promptly deserted by her husband. The Minister of Justice, Hon. F. J Rolleston, said he' was familiar with the case, but in it was involved a much larger question of the nationality of the wife, which was not being dealt with in this Bill. He could not see how anything could be done to relieve the hardship of the case. * * * Legislative Council The Legislative Council met at 2.30. The Magistrates’ Courts Bill and Statutory Land Charges Registration Bill were reported from the Statutes Revision Committee with amendments. The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill, Post and Telegraph Bill, and Magistrates* Courts Bill were put through their final stages and passed. The Council adjourned at 3.45 p.m., until to-day.