PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 166, 4 July 1908, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

FIUDAY, JULY J. (Per Press Association.) LEGISLATIVE COI.SCIL. Wellington, Last, Sight. The Legislative Council met at 2.M. The lion, Mr. Paul resumed the debate on the Address-iu-llcply. lie admitted the Arbitration Act had partly broken down, but had not failed, ami declared the workers had been more loyal to the Act than the employers. He agreed that workers' wages had increased, but so had the cost of living', fie quoted ligurcs supporting his staiouieni.

The lion. Mr. Luke was adverse to a local navy, but, favored an increased naval subsidy, He rejoiced at the advancement of the condition of the workers, and said they should be given opportunity for further advancement. He hoped the Arbitration Act would be kept and that a Judge of the Supreme Court be retained as president. The Council adjourned at 4.10 tin Wednesday.

HOUSE .OF KEFKESE.N'TATIVES. The House met at 2.30. The Wellington Harbor Hoard llcelamation Bill, Farriers' Bill (Mr. Major), Municipal Corporations Act, I'JOO Amendment Aet Xo. 2 (Mr. Fisher), and Hokitika Harbor Act, 1905, Amoiulment Bill (Mr. Seddon), Here read a first time. The usual sessional committees were, set up on motion. Mr. MasSey thought the committee should have power to call for persons and papers.

The Colonial Treasurer said he could not agree to give such powers to a. committee.' There was no precedent for

The Prime Minister moved the Second reading of the Meikle Acquittal Bill. He reviewed the circumstances of the case, and thought as an act of justice the House should pass the Bill. Mr. MasSey supported the Bill. Mr. Horna'by opposed the Bill as introduced, but if the measure were made of a general character he would withdraw his opposition. In the meantime he moved that the Bill be read a second time six months henee. ''■

Messrs Hunan, Herrics, flaunie, Laing, Barclay and Izard supported the Bill, and Messrs Remington, Ngata, Malcolm, Arnold, Hckc, Poole and Hogg opposefi it. Some of tile latter explained the.y were actuated by a desire for a general* Bill. i The Prime Minister pointed out thfc a general Bill was out of the question 1 . The amount of compensation suggested was £SOOO.

At 5.30 p.m. the House adjourned for. dinner. The House resumed at 7.30. Sir doscuh Ward said he intended to put the Bill through on a division. Mr. HornSliy's amendment was rejected by 40 to 10, and after further brief discussion, the second reading was carried by 41 to 10. ami its committal was; set down for next sitting day. The Premier moved the second reading of the Incorporated Societies' Kill, designed to make more adequate provision for incorporation, control, 'and dissolution of societies, to which it relat.ed. ' The second reading was carried on the voices.

On the Premier's motion, the Second reading of the Society of Accountants' Bill was agreed to. " The Bill provides for training aird examining of members, but placed no restrictions on non-mem-bers of the society, and permitted members of incorporated societies outside the Dominion to be admitted without examination.

The second reading of the Secret Coiiimissions Bill, on the ■ motion of the Premier, was agreed to. The chief provisions are that agents are not permitted to receive secret bribes from third per sons, nor are the hitter permitted lt» give such bribes.

Hon. Mr. McGowan moved the second .reading of the Coroners' Amendment Bill, permitting a coroner to hold an inquest without- a jury unless it is thought desirable or the Attorney-Gen-eral ordered it. After a brief discussion, the second reading was carried. The UoiiSe rose at 0.40 p.m.