PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 195, 7 August 1908, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

THURSDAY, (jth AUGUST. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. By Telegraph.—Press Association, Wellington, Last Night. A general discussion ensued on the petition of Air. Edgecuinbe, of Taranaki, an old soldier, praying for a land grant in recognition of his services. The ipicstiou involved in the discussion wus whether there were not many old soldiers in the Dominion who deserved

recognition for services in the field, it was suggested that another Commission might be set up to enquire into the matter, the previous one having proved abortive. It was asserted that great injustice existed, calling for redress. Air. llauna, chairman of the Education Committee, reported that he had hecn instructed to secure a ruling from the Speaker as to whether a member ti the committee could move an amendment in the Education Bill which would have the cll'ect of increasing the appropriation. The Speaker, in giving his ruling, said that previous rulings and ordinary practice showed that resolutions of select committees were in the nature of suggestions or recommendations, and not binding upon the House when they came before the committee of the whole. It would be for the Chairman of Committees to rule according *o the circumstances whether they be accepted or not, in accordance with the Standing Orders. The following Bills wore put through committee: Wcstport Harbor Board Jjoan Bill, Christehurch City Sanitation Empowering Bill; and ,thc Oamaru Town Hall and Gasworks Bill and Recreati'.n Reserves Bill were read a second time.

The Oamaru Harbor Board Loan Bill (Duncan) was brought forward for its second reading, which was agreed to. The Christchurch City Betterment Bill (Cray) was read a second time. Mr. Malcolm moved the second reading of the Tapanui County Bill. The House, adjourned at 5.30. The House resumed at 7.30. After, a protracted discussion, the second reading of the Tapanui County Bill was lost by 29 to 2(1 votes. On the motion for the third rending of the ToVn Boards Bill, Mr. Masscy objected to the principle of the Bill wliich aimed to give representation with out taxation. Mr. Ilornsby said the Opposition w:V merely making a last stand for plum voting. Mr. Herries thought when the power; of borrowing were so limited, only taxpayers should have the franchise. Mr. Ell replied that, the system was in force in England seventy years. The third reading was carried by 38 votes to 31 votes. The Bill was then passed. The Farriers Xo. 2 Bill was read a third time on the voices and passed. Mr. J. Allen moved the second reading of the Counties Act, 1880, Amendment Bill to amend inequalities of representation on county councils. The second reading was agreed to. The Quackery Prevention Bill was committed. The Quackery Prevention Bill was re ported with drafting amendments. The Prevention of Cruelty to Aninnlt Bill (Mr. Laurenson) exeited considerable discussion. (Some members argued it was not necessary, being covered \v the Police Offences Act. Others held that the Bill met real requirements. Ail agreed that the Bill was badly draft id. The. second reading was carried. The Bill was referred to the Stock Committee. Mr. Fisher moved the second reading of the Municipal Corporation* Act, 1000, Amendment Bill (No. 2). Mr. Fisher stated the object of the Bill was to introduce the Parliamentary franchise In municipal elections, except in regard to voting on loan proposals. Tlie second reading was agreed to. Sir William Steward's Marriage Amendment Bill, to validate marriage between certain degrees, on the second reading was defeated by 25 votes to 17.