Parliament.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 257, 3 November 1904, Page 2

Parliament.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. (Per Press Assoaiation). WELLINGTON, Nov. 2. Tlio Council met at 2.K0 p.m., and the Railway Improvements Authorisation Bill and Ammunition Supply Bill pussed their final stages. On reading clause 3 of the Shops and Offices Bill progress was reported up to that stage, ,no material amendment having bet'n made. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The Houm met at 11 a.m. MUST READINGS. Tho Kawhia and Awokino Counties Amendment Hill (Ward) was road a first time. The Land for Settlement Act Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor's messuge and read a first Unto.

COMMITTEES AND PRESS. - The Standing, Orders Committee re-: ported that it had no recommundations to make ou petitions in favour of the proceedings of select committees of tho House being open to the press. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions Ministers stated th'it it wus not the intention of tho Government to propose any alteration respecting Hansard; that the Government could not see its way to concede to friendly societies free out-patient treatment at Te Aroha, Rotorua, and Lanmer ; that it was not possible to introduce a general Harbour Hoards Bill this sesulon, but probably a consolidating measure would bo introduced next session ; that a comprehensive bill dealing with the whole question of hospitals and charitable aid would be introduced noxt session.

LEASEHOLDERS' PETITION. The Lands Committee reported on tho of a number of pastoral leaseholders of Otago and Canterbury, praying for compensation for looses, of slock through snowstorms. The committee reported that the concession applied for did not appear to be ao much of a remission of i-ent as an extension of the term of leases and increased compensation for improvements at tho end of the term. The cominittee was unable to recommend any form of relief beyond what might be if the powers of liand boards were oxtcnided. It recommendf d that the boards be asked to formuiato a scheme that would have the effect of giving them power to deal with the land upon such terms as they might think advisable in 'he interests of tho State and occupiors but Uutt such decision should be subject to the approval 0 f the Minister for Lands.

After a lengthy dUcusaion the roJNort was referred to the Government. The Houbo rose at 1 p.m. The House itesumcd at a.JIO, and formal business occupied its'attention tho whole afternoon. After two hours' oUscuspion at the evening session amendments, made by Ihe Legislative Council in the Licensing Bill were, on Mr Seddon's motion, agreed to by 48 votes to J&,