PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81834, 29 August 1906, Page 3

PARLIAMENT

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28. LEGISLATIVE COUfJUIL. Per Press Association. Tlie Council met at p.m. Hon. Wigrani, resuming the Address-in-rcply, favored the appointment of 11 colonial ollieer in succession to General Btibinglon. He alvocated interchange of Colonial and Imperial officers. He also urged the encouragement; of rifle shooting. The Hon. Mr Beehaudealt generally with tlie worker, ntul tlie administration of the Arbitration Act. The Attorney-General said there was nothing calling for roply. Willi regard to the Hon. Mr Itigg's reference to an Imperial Council, he thought that something more than the Premiers' Conference was required, and that an Imperial Council was essential, Speaking on the subject of defence he held that with proper provision {or land defences to meet any chance emergency, the colony had little to fear, so long as Britain retained command of the seas. It- was possible to secure a force, that would meet the requirements of the colony, and it wa? his intention to give every encouragement to volunteers and cadets, and he would at the same time endeavor to see that the country got valuo for the money expended. In regard to capitation, 110 thought the regulations should be amended so that each volunteer earning capitation should rcceivo it, irrespective of the action of his corps. The appointment of a Commanding Officer was a matter necessitating the serious consideration of the Government. It was intended t5 reviye the Schiol of Instruction. The fortifications were not all up-to-date, but could be mado so by a reasonable amount of expenditure, He was now ascertaining the probable cost, of manufacturing in the colony cordite for small arms, though with regard lo big gun ammunition he was afraid the colony would have to get supplies from abroad for some years. By next session ho hoped to be able lo tell that the Government had been able to put the defences of the colony on a more satisfactory basis. Baldey, he agreed with Mr Eigg, that every young man ia the colony should be instructed in the use of arms. On the motion of Hon. Mr Fcklwick the debate was adjourned till to-mor-row, and the House rose at 4.45.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Twenty petitions were presented and received. The Premier explained to the House that lie was unable to make good his promise of lust week to plaee before them the reciprocity treaty with the Commonwealth that afternoon. The fai't was that the difficulty in the way of the necessary uniformity of treatment had proved greater than was anticipated. Negotiations were proceeding from hour lo hour, and he suv every probability of being able to place the treaty on the table on Thursday. Tlie Preriier gave notice that on next sitting day, he would move that Mr 1!. Mac.Kcnzie be appointed Chairman of Committees The Minister of Justice, 111 moving the second reading of the Habitual Criminals and Offenders Bill, said it was a new departure in a direction much discussed of late by the Press and philanthropise societies, and very interesting to all wishers of the race. The second reading was agreed tp„ The House adjourned to 3.30 p.ui,

EVENING SITTINGS. The House resumed at 7.30. ESTIMATES, The estimates for Uio current year were bronchi down by Governor's message, and referred to the Committee of Supply. KIN'ANITA h STATRMEXT. On the motion of (he Premier, Mr H, Mackenzie was voted to the Committee chair, and the House went info Committee oF Supply. Sir J. G. Ward read the Finanrirl Statement, and the Committee agreed t"> report progress. The House adjourned at 8. !0. THE SKMXIN (IRAXT. The Kstiiuales of expenditure provide " a grant to the widow of the ]stu ftiidit ilon. JL J. Seddon, I'remier of Ihe colony ;Cd')Uo."