PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 191, 16 August 1900, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —» LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, August 15, The Council met at 2,30 p.m. | WORKERS' COMPE SSATION. On the motion of the Hon. D. Finkerton, it was agreed that the report of the Labour Bills Committee upon the Workers' Compensation fcr Accidents Bill, with the minutes and evidence, should be forwarded to the various Associations for the information of employers and workmen.

PROGRESS OF BILLS. The Government Valuation of Land Act Amendment Bill and British Investors in New Zealand Government Securities Bill were read a first time. The Companies Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed, On the motion of the Hon, H, Feldwick, the Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee.

The Governor's Salary and Allowances Bill was read a second time, on the motion of the Hon. W. C. Walker. The MinisterS' Salaries and Allowances Aofc Amendment Bill was passed through Committee without amendment, read a third time, and passed. The Council rose at 2.50 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, August 14. EDUCATION BOARDS' ELECTIONS. After the supper adjournment, the second reading of the Election of Education Boards Bill was carried on the voices. The House adjourned,

Wednesday, August 15. The House met at 2.30 p.m. MEAT EXPORT COMPANIES. Mr. Buddo resumed the interrupted debate on the question that leave be given to introduce the Meat Export Companies' Limitation of Profits Bill. Mr. Houston moved an amendment that the debate be adjourned for three months.—Lost by 34 to 26. Oaptain Russell said he would be very glad if, by means of legislation, the profits of sheep farmers could be extended, but they might as well try to make water run up a hill or force a horse to drink. As showing how the market varied for mutton at Home, he gave his own experience, as one who froze on his own account. Of 3000 he sent Home 2400 realised 16s lOd each. The balance, which followed six weeks later, realised only 10a 4d. He cited the other side of the ctse as affecting meat companies, showing where they had made heavy losses, and although the companies had done very well this year they might not be so successful next season. Mr. McQowan affirmed that the State had a right to interfere where it thought that any compiny or individual was interfering with the mass of the people in creating a monopoly. Messrs. Bennett, Meredith, and Duncan also spoke,

Mr. W. Fraser said if a farmer refused to take the risk of freezing on his own account it was his own fault.

Mr. G. W. Russell said that at present the House had no idea of the contents of the Bill beyond its title.

Mr. McNab said it would be a bad day for the colony if large financial institutions controlled its output. He was not opposed to monopolies so long as the monopolies were in the interests of the people, and he contended there was such a thing as monopolies which were in the iaterests of tho people. Mr. Platman thought that one class of business only should not be singled out for State interference, and that if the principle was right it should be extended to other private businesses. Mr. Hall said the cry was that farmers were not getting a fiir price for their sheep on account of the monopoly that existed between the two Wellington meat companies. He contended that it was the legitimate duty of the State to limit the profits of such companies in the interests of thp people. Mr. Fisher said if it was right for the State to interfere iu the rate of interest charged by money-lenders, purely it was much more its duty to interfere when an undue profit was being made out of the food of the poorer class of people. Mr. Massey said it would bo admitted that meat companies had had a particularly successful soason last year, for which the war in South Africa had something to do; but he pointed out that a difference of a farthing per lb. would make a difference in the success or non-success of meat companies. Mr. Hornsby, in reply, said that for two years and a half he had agitated that something should be done to curb the monopoly that had grown up in connection with the Wellington meat companies. An attempt had been made to purchase his silence on the question, but it failed ; and so long as the evil existed he would continue to attack it. The motion for leave to introduce the Bill was granted. NOXIOUS WEEDS. The Committee appointed to consider the amendments in the Noxious Weeds Bill by the Legislative Council reported, giving reasons for disagreeing with the amendments; and it was resolved that a conference be held on the subject.

The House took the 5,30 adjournment.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. TESTATOR'S FAMILY MAINTENANCE BILL. In Committee on the Testator's Family Maintenance Bill, on Clause 2 Captain Russell said he could not concede that the State had a right to interfere with the manner in which a testator bequeathed his property after having made provision for the family. He instanced the case of a young, ablebodied man who was wanton and lazy. Why should an ostate bolster up such a case? Ho moved an amendment to meet such a case by inserting the words •' infant or physically helpless " before " children,"

Messrs. R, Thompson, Herries, and AlcNub having spoken, the aiueudment was lost b| 43 to W, .. j

Mr. It. Thompson moved a furthei amendment to include next-of-kin as participator in a deceased person's estate.—The amendment was lost bv 41 to 14. ' 1 (Left sitting.) j