PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 154, 8 October 1910, Page 8

PARLIAMENT

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By Telegraph.—-Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. INALIENABLE ANNUITIES. In the Legislative Council this afternoon the Christ College (Canterbury) Bill was passed. . The Inalienable Life Annuities Bill was committed. Pile Attorney-General stated that he had carefully considered Mr. Stevens' suggestion that the new class of business contemplated by the measure should be limited to the Government Insurance Oilice. There was muci. to be said in favor of that course, but if the business was restricted to the Government, office it would necessarily limit the benefits of the new legislation to policies issued by that office. It was felt that every opportunity should be given for the conversion of policies generally. The principle of the measim was a new one, and it was very desirable that it should have the advantage of competition. He therefore was unable to agree to Mr. Stevens' suggestion tt ni;.,<;e v. .ioveninunt monopoly of bin new business.

Mr. Stevens said he was convinced tht Attorney-General would live to repent the attitude he had taken up, for the time was soon to arrive when the valui of the Bill would be lost to the country. Dr. Findlay considered that Mr. Stevens took r.n unnecessarily gloomy view of the possibilities of financial disaster. The Bill would provide for a straight forward proposition, and he failed to see 'how there could be any jugglery about it.

, All the clauses passed unaltered, and the Attorney-General moved a new clause. "Every policy issued under tht provisions of this Act shall contain only such provisions as may be approved by the Governor-in-Council."

The Bill was reported as amended, and passed. The Immigration Restriction Amendment Bill was reported from the committee.

The Council rose till 8 p.m. oh Wednesday next. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House mat at 2.30 p.m. The Oamaru Harbor Board Enabling Bill was passed. MR. PETER HEYES. A petition from Peter Heyes, latt Commissioner of Taxes, praying for com pensation on account of long and special services to the country, was read. Tht petitioner stated that he had been frequently called upon to render assistance in many departments of the State with which he was not connected, and haa always cheerfully carried out such special duties. He also prayed that the circumstances leading up to his recent retirement be fully enquired into, and that such sum as he may be deemed worth} of be granted him by way of compensation for loss of position. ILLNESS AT GOVERJSCMENT HOUSE. The House went into committee on the Estimates for the Public Buildings Account— £83,190.

Replying to Mr. Herries, who asked for information in regard to the recent illness of the staff at Government House, Sir J. G. Ward said that as the illness of members of the staff seemed to be similar in nature, two medical men were called in. It had been considered desirable to open a drain with a view to ascertaining the cause of the trouble, but it was not certain that the cause of the illness lay in the drain work done in connection with the Governor's residence.

Mr. Massey said the matter demanded an enquiry, An individual who hao. visited the Governor's residence in a semi-official capacity had described some of the work as "disgraceful." This pointed to something being wrong with the Public Works Department, especially the branch responsible for public buildings. Mr. Eorbes, referring to an item of £SO on Government House, Auckland, moved that it be reduced by £1 as an indications that the Civil List be amended by striking out all reference to Go-j vernment House, Auckland. I

Mr.-Henries moved to reduce the salary of the' architect by £l, the object being to get further information in regard to the illness at Government House. Mr. Herdman said the Governor's residence had been a muddle from beginning to end. It was not worthy of a representative of the Kjag. It looked like a glorified He believed that thousands been deliberately n i I il >JTOHfniiii with the delay in erecting fft mm Parliament buildinga Air. Herries' amendment was negativeo. on the voices.

Mr. Tay.or (Christchurch) moved thai the item of. £I6OB (salaries of draughtsmen) be reduced by £1 as an indication that the committee was of opinion that no. puhlic buildings similar to those being erected at Christchuirch should be entrusted to a private architect, except as a result of public competition. The motion was affirmed by 39 votes to 25, and the item was reduced accordingly. Mr. Forbes then moved that the item of £SO be reduced by £l, for the reason already set forth. On a division the motion was carrieo. by 36 to 31, and, the item was reduced. THE PARLIAMENTARY BUILDINGS. On the item, £550 for old Parliamentary buildings, Mr. Russell moved that the amount be reduced by £SO; as an indication to the Government that Parliament Buildings should be cestored on the old site. Mr. Fuhefc supported the amendment. The . sJll!fc»ty said the matter wouk como bfiTm-e flfifi House again, when the Public W(*J§ 'Estimates were being discussed. Tile present- bimldirig would; serve the needs of Parliapent for a year or two longer. The House rose at 5.30 p.m.

In the House m the evening Mr. Russell's motion was rejected by 28 to 23. Mr. Fisher moved that the item be reduced by £25. Before the motion was put, Sir Joseph Ward moved that progress he reported

in order that a paper relating to the importation of liquor into no-license districts be laid upon the table.

This was agreed to, and progress was reported. Accordingly, the paper was laid on the table. After a lengthy debate Mr. Fisher's motion was put and rejected by 39 to 21. Mr. Russell asked whether the Government intended to accept the division on Mr. Forbes' motion as an indication that Government House in Auckland should be close:!. Sir J. G-, Ward said that Government Bouse, Auckland, could only bo honorably withdrawn with the concurrence of the Home Office. The Government proposed to retain the house and ask for a vote for refurnishing it. That was the 'honorable course to follow. After considerable argument for and ayainst Government House at Auckland, Mr. Russell moved to reduce the item of £25 for fuel, etc., in connection therewith, by £l, as an indication that the House is of opinion that one Governor's residence is sufficient. (Left sitting.)