PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 121, 9 October 1912, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1912.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Council mot at 2.30 p.m. THE PUBLIC SERVICE BILL.

Mr. Callan resumed the debate on the second reading of the Public Service Bill, and stated that he intended to support the measure because of the report of the Public Service Comm<ssion that the service required some radical change. Mr. Kelly also indicated that he would support the Bill, as it had received a good majority in the House, though some amendments were essential.

Mr. Luke suggested that the plan in use in America, where the lieads of departments came together for an annual conference, might well be adopted here. Such a consultation would be to the end of reducing expenses and increasing efficiency.

Mr. Bell, in his reply, indicated that he would welcome technical amendments designed to improve the Bill, but would not endure any alteration in the principle he was aiming at. The second reading was carried on the voices. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

The Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill was read a second time, and the Council rose.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The House met at 2.30 p.m. THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. Mr. Fraser intimated that the Public Works Statement would probably be brought down next week.

THE BEGINNING OP THE END. Mr. Massey gave notice that lie would ask the House to sit on Monday evenings. Next Monday evening would be devoted to local Bills. PURE WATER FOR FLAX MILLS 1 . Mr. Robertson introduced the Pure Water Supply to Flaxmills Bill, explaining that its object was to secure a pure water supply for drinking purposes at all flaxmills, it having been proved that river water was not fit for human consumption, owing to the filth which found its way into it. Mr. Robertson complained of the delay in dealing with the report of the Chief Inspector of the Labor Department in connection with the conditions obtaining in flaxmills in Manawatu. He said that Mr. Massey had promised Labor a square deal, but Labor had not received it. Typhoid fever had broken out there, sind serious harm might be done if this matter were not attended to.

Mr. Massey, in response to a wish expressed by Mr. Laurenson, said that he would lay the report on the table. Mr. Laurenson quoted extracts from the report to show that some filthy conditions prevailed in connection with eating and living at the mills. He hoped that the Government would give immediate attention to the matter. Mr. Veitch said that the matter brought forward by Mr. Robertson Avas only one phase of Labor's grievances. No Government could afford to leave these matters over indefinitely. If the Government was not prepared to da more than they had done this session, he, for one, would not support them. Mi\ Massey said that he had first seen the report on August 26, and had seen the Bill prepared to meet the matter, but it had to be destroyed as it was useless. A Bill was now in the hands of the Crown Law Office, and was just about ready for circulation. It would be referred to the Labor. Bills Committee within a day or two. Mr. Massey said that he did not intend to alter the constitution of the Arbitration Court at present. He regretted the conditions obtaining in Manawatu. and said that there Was provision in the Public Health Act for pure water. Mr. Ell contended that the Government's attitude in the matter did not show much sympathy with or concern for the welfare of the flax hands. After further discussion the Bill was read a first time. THE REVENUE.

Mr. Allen laid before the House a statement regarding the revenue for the six months ending September 30, compared with the corresponding period last year. For 1012 the total was £4,923,473, and 1011 £4,747,330, an increase of £176.137.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BILL. Mr. Mnssey moved the second reading of the Legislative, Council Bill, which provides for appointments to the. Upper House for three years. He. briefly explained that it was desired to make provision for appointments in case the necessity arose. Mr." ■Wilford was of opinion that the Upper House was an expensive superfluity, and the question was whether it was better to emasculate or poleaxe the Council. If the Council were abolished and a Bill passed by the House was revised bv the Crown Law Office and returned 'to the House for final passage, thousands of pounds would be saved annually. Mr! FUdey indicated that he proposed to move that appointments should be only for the life of the present Parliament. The House adjourned at .">.30. Tn the evening the discussion on the. Legislative Council Bill was resumed by Mr. Forbes, who said that he had no objection to the measure if it was amended' to limit the term of appointment to the present Parliament. He believed in making the Council merely a revising chamber. The monev saved could be well spent on the back-blocks. Sir Josenh Ward supported the Bill because a 'majority of the House had expressed itself in favor of au elective Council, but iu committee he would support a proposal to reduce the term of appointment to two years, so as to enable both Houses to be_ made elective at the next general election. Mr. Buddo considered that the Bill was useless until the whole question had been decided in relation to both Houses. Mr. Fll condemned the Government proposals, and eluded the followers of Mr. Massey for sitting silent while a measure involving an expenditure of £20.000 or £30,000 a year was being dealt with. Mr. Massey. in replying, complained of the gross' waste of time that had taken pface during the afternoon and evening. Many of the speeches were not worth'the-time occupied, because they were merely a repetition of what had already been said this session. Instated that he would recommend the Governor to make appointments to the Council for three years, if such a course was necessary. The second reading was carried on the voices.

ix committee. Tlu' Ifonse went into Committee on several Bills. The Auckland University College Amendment Bill was reported without amendment. The River Trust Amendment Bill mnl Hauraki Plain* Amendment Bill passed in Connnittee, v.itlumt material amendment. THE WEST COAST LEASES. Tn Committee on the Public Trust Office Amendment. Bill, in reply to Mr. Xynta. .Mr. Herdman said that it was not intended to do anytliiag ia reference

to the. West Coast native leases this year on the lines recommended by tke Commission, the great buUc of the leases falling in next year. A Bill dealing with the whole matter will be introduced then. He could not indicate the Goyernment's intention. The Bill was reported with minor amendments. VALUATION OF LAND.

After midnight the Value of Land Amendment Bill was taken in committee. An amendment was introduced at the instance of the Prime Minister, exemptrag roads and bridges, irrigation works, drainage works or river protection worki a* improvements. This was agreed to Replying to Mr. R. W. Smith, Mr. Massey said that he could not possibly accept a. clause exempting milling bush. At the instance of Mr. Witty, the Prime Minister accepted an amendment exempting ornamental or utility trees and fruit trees from taxation. The Bill was reported with amendments.

FIRST READINGS. The Coal Mines Amendment Bill, Military Pensions Bill, and Dunedin Garrison Hall Trustees Empowering Bill were introduced by Governor's message and read a first time.

MILITARY PENSIONS.'

In reply to Mr. Russell, Mr. Massey Pnn • m ,vn n « tion WHh U,e Mutely 1 elisions Bill that the pension would fat •available to all who come along with tht Maori War medal.

COAL MINES BILL, The Coal Mines Bill was then read a second time pro forma. The House adjourned at 12.50 p.m.