PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 81, 22 August 1912, Page 4

PARLIAMENT.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 1912, By Telegraph—Press Assoeiatio*. Wellington, Last NVht. The House met at 2.30. THE ROTOROA HOME. The Petitions Committee reported I'av oiably on the petition for improved conditions at the inebriates' 'home ak Rotoroa Island. After a short debate, during whic'i several speakers favored a reduction of the detention to six months, and the providing of literature for th« detenues, the report was laid on th» table.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers said that the question of formulating »om« scheme for the purpose of preventing the from inducing young girls to join their religion and go to Utah, should be referred to the Commissioner of Police for report, and, if found to he necessary, steps would be taken with: the object _ of preventing the practice; it' is the intention of the Govmiinieni to allow a large painting of the Now Zealand Dreadnought to be exhibited in various art galleries in those centres of the Dominion which have adequate accommodation; the question of repealing section 5 of the Local Bodies Loans Act, 1008, so as to leave local bodies whose loans were not obtained through the Government free to appoint their own commissioners for the sinking funds of such loans, is now being considered, with a view to giving the required relief. THE BUDGET DEBATE. The House resumed at 7.30. •Mr. Young continued the Budget debate. He urged that aggrieved persons , should have representation at the Land Assessment' Courts. He criticised thy method of land ballots, and maintained j that once a man had been successful he should be excluded from further participation. Men in the country should be encouraged, and agriculture should jibe built up. If that was accomplished I more would be found seeking to go upon the land.

Mr. Brown, after referring to the Tongahoe estate, Hawke's Bay, which had been described as only fit for blackberry growing, but which was now running one and a half sheep to tlie acre, went on to say that lie would like to sec n, complete revision of tlie Customs tariff, and the duty removed from all essentials. Whatever deficit there was in revenue should be made up by an increased land tax. He 'hoped the Minister would proceed to revise the tariff at once.

. Mr. Mander regretted tlie language TWr. Isitt had used in the previous night's debate, remarking that it was not in .keeping with the -high traditions of Parliament. As to the charges made against certain members for changing parties, under similar circumstances he would have felt quite justified in reconsidering his position, and doing what h* considered best for the ' people,,of the «o«n'try. He did not think they would ever settle the land by the ballot system. They could not put a man without means on a rich piece of land alongside a railway. There was no land where a man could make greater progress than on a bush farm. He maintained that the natives should be treated like men, and not like children. He believed that the gospel of work was tilt gospel that would save the native race. He would reserve sufficient land for them to enable them to subsist. Th« rest they could sell. He did not believe in co-operative works, where a good workman had to carry the poor workman on his shoulders. The railways were not run to the best advantage, and more up-to-date methods should be adopted. Mr. Witty contended that it was the native land the Government wanted to collar, and not land held by Europeans. The Government had backed down 011 all important questions—land, racing and licensing. If the Government real!}' desired to assist land settlement they should take over the whole of the main roads of the Dominion.

Mr. Campbell praised the humanitarian. proposals contained in the liudget. The valuation scheme wanted amending. At the present time sufficient was not allowed for improvements, -and the working generally was not satisfactory. He pleaded for urgency in the matter •( roads and bridges. The co-operative system which was in force was altogether wrong. He favored the small contract system. The House adjourned at 11.35 p.m. on the motion of Mr. Escott.