IN PARLIAMENT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 125, 27 May 1916, Page 5

IN PARLIAMENT.

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING

WELLINGTO, May 20. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. A number of petitions praying that liquor bars be closed at 0 p.m. during the continuance of the war, were presented. N.Z. REINFORCEMENTS Replying to a question, the Hon J. Allen said the Dominion was originally asked to supply eight, to nine thpus and men. After Gallipoli, tho total number was raised to 22,000. j Reinforcements w r ere required to niauifain the latter number. If the whole of the forces now fighting were wiped out, they would be replaced. CONCERNING CASUALTY LISTS. The Minister for Deforce stated, with a view to relieving the anxiety of parents and friends of soldiers, that it w T as unlikely the casualty lists would be available until a w r eek *.fter the fighting. . '.'

FIRST READING

The Expiring - Laws Continuance Bill was introduced by Governor's Message and read a first time. PENSIONS AMENDMENT BILL. The War Pensions Amendment. Pill was re-committed. The Hon Allen moved that the clause added last night, giving the Pensions Board power to refuse a pension to a person of notoriously "bad character, be struck out He slid there was a conflict of opinion regarding the wording of the clause. A suitable amendment would be introduced in the Legislative Council. On the motion for the third reading o c the Bill, a lengthy debate, similar to that en the second reading, ensued, the speakers generally contending that the pensions were inadequate. The House resumed at 7.30, when the debate was eontim-ed.

Mr Massey said so much misrepresentation had been made that he found it necessary to reply. He deprecated the attacks made upon Sir Joseph. "Ward during his absence owing to .ilness. He hoped this would not be a precedent. Referring to the adverse remarks of Mr Hindmarsh, the Premier said he w:is ;. member of the Secret Committee of Defence responsible for t:.(. Tensions Bill. Ho read extracts from fe-.t noil member's speech last yea- to slvw the wide difference between his vi.'W« then expressed and Ws ooiin'ons fch*.* day. Mr Alas?*v er.nsid"Tod thov !i?ul gone as far as *.h#v c-ulf: g>- } n regard to pension". The war trpghl drag on for a long wiwiv -.nd fbey must look ahead. In regard to expenditure, they had don e better than any oth«-r Dominion. He condemned the exhibitions of party spirit shown during rhe debate,! and spoke in terms of appreciation of those members who had given the National Government loyal supin the present great struggle. The Hon Allten, in reply, repudiated the suggestion that the recruiting movement had been adversely influenced by either the pay or the pension.

All had been actuated by pure patriotism. He denied that the amendments in the Bill had been forced upon the Government by outside criticism. The Government had to consider its responsibilities, not only of to-day, but these of the future. The third reading of tho Bill was carried.