PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 60, 1 September 1911, Page 8

PARLIAMENT

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Council met at "2.30 p.m. Hon. Mr. Rigg Tesumed the adjourned debate on the motion of appreciation of the services of the Prime Minister and Sir John Findlay at the Imperial Conference. Ho complimented Sir J. G. Findlay upon his elaborate explanation of the doings of the Conference, but expressed disappointment that the latter had not given more information respecting Sir Joseph Ward's Imperial Council proposals. The Legislature should have been informed 1 of the Teasons which influenced Sir Joseph Ward in bringing it forward, He felt sure the proposal would never be accepted by the New Zealand Parliament. Hon. Mr. Wigram, in offering congratulations to the Attorney-General, deprecated the tendency to make Imperialism a party question. He was unable to express an opinion upon an Imperial Federal Parliament, but felt that the representation coidd not be on a population basis. Sir John Findlay, replying to Hon. Mr. Rigg's criticism, said there appeared to be some misapprehension as to what was actually proposed by Sir Joseph Ward in regard to the creation of an Imperial Parliament. Sir Joseph recognising that a. change was impending in the constitutional system, and that devolution was in the air, it appeared to the Prime .Minister that the time was ripe for the i discussion of some scheme of federation! embracing all the dominions and the Motherland. It was clearly indicated that all the power to be delegated to the new Imperial Parliament was power to provide f6r Imperial defence, and that control of internal defence should remain absolutely in the hands of each dominion.. With these limited powers there would be no danger to our local autonomy. So long as a scheme was devised oE fixing our contributions at what we would willingly give, it would not matter whether they were imposed 'by 1 lie Imperial Parliament or the local Parliament.

The motion was carried, unanimously, and the Council rose until Wednesday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The report of the Chief Librarian came before the House. It showed that there were 7ti.000 volumes in the library, as against :'i>.B(}o ten years ago, but the amount .of the annual grant was the same now as it was a decade ago. A resolution was embodied in the report that no fu'tiou be issued to recess privilege holders. The Hon. 0. Fowlds said it was hoped to make the Parliamentary Library a national one. He hoped the report of the committee would be adopted. Mr. Luke and Mr. McLaren opposed the curtailment of privileges. Another resolution in the report provided for the appointment of additional assistance in the library. The report was referred to the Government for favorable consideration. The Papakaio Water-race Bill was reported from committee. The Grey town Town Lands and Hospital Lands Exchange Bill (Mr. Buchanan), the Oamaru Municipal Exchange and Market Reserve Leasing Bill (Mr. Duncan), and the Wanganui Sir Donald McLean Memorial Park Bill (Mr. Brown) were read a second time. Mr. Sidey's New Zealand Mean Time Bill was committed.

The House adjourned at 0.30 p.m. EVENING SITTING. Tho New Zealand Mean Time Bill was further considered in committee thiß evening. vSir Joseph Ward said the daylight proposal was a good one, and the. world at large would adopt the system proposed in time. So far as he could see, the adoption of the measure could inconvenience no, one. He suggested that the House should adopt the principles of the sit from 11 a.m. to G p.m. He favored a daylight sitting of the House. Most of the rows in the House now arose after midnight, and that was simply a matter of nature asserting itself. The Bill should have a' fair trial throughout the country. If the provisions of the Bill were adopted ]— everyone little or no inconvenient would be experienced. He did not support the Bill on sentimental grounds. It was a practical proposal. Mr. Buchanan said the country at large would not approve of the Bill. Mr. Ilanan did not think the Bill would work in the country districts, lie suggested that the member in charge of the Bill should refer it to responsible authorities in country districts to see if they desired sufh a measure. The Rev. Isitt, who was applauded on making his Parliamentary debut, said he was not afraid of getting people up early. The "Rip Van Winkies" were not on his side. The Bill would be of very great benefit to a great number of people. Mr. Bollard moved that the chairman leave the chair, as the House was wasting time. (Left sitting.)