PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 134, 24 October 1912, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1912. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Jj Telegraph —Press Association. Wellington, Last Night, The Council met at 2.30 p.m. VARIOUS BILLS. The Auckland Harbor Board Bill passed its final steps unamended. The Taiori Land Drainage Bill was reported with amendments. The Public Service Bill finally passed, and the Council rose. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The House met at 2.30 p.m. INEBRIATES HOMES. Mr. Ilerdman presented a report from Mr. Kettle, S.M., on the Pakatoa and Rotoroa Islands Inebriates Homes. The report stated, inter alia, that every effort was being made by the Salvation Army authorities to make the inmates comfortable. They had expressed gratitude for the manner in which they had been treated. The homes had fully justified their existence. Mr. Kettle suggested that the inmates might be let out on probation after a certain period of , detention. He reported that the holding of a political meeting and canvassing for votes did not tend towards the promotion of discipline on the islands.

QUESTION DAY. Mr. Myers asked the Minister of Finance whether it was a fact that .€74.000 was to be raised for the Public Works Fund. Mr. Allen replied that the money had to he raised. Mr. Russell asked the Prime Minister whether it was his intention to send the Minister of Finance to England. Mr. Massey replied that the Government did intend to follow tjiat course, and that Mr. Allen would go Home as soon as possible after the session ended. Mr. Myers asked if Mr. Allen would officially attend the sittings of the Imperial Defence Committee. Mr. Massey replied that the matter had not been considered. > Replying to Mr. Brown, the Prime Minister stated that he did not intend to reply to the notice of motion standing in Mr. Brown's name censuring the Government for the discontinuation of the co-operative railway works, unless he had the written authority of the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Brown said that was unfair to him, as the Opposition had no leader. Ministers, replying to various questions, said that specific enquiry will bo made into the question of impersonation and the transfer of immigrants' certificates in Great Britain.

The present arrangements in regard to the Government grading of grain are not satisfactory, and Chambers of Commerce in grain exporting districts have been asked for their views on the subject. On receipt of their replies the whole matter will receive careful attention. The High Commissioner has been instructed to invite applications in the United Kingdom for the position of General Manager of the Railways. Should applications be received from countries outside Great Britain they will be forwarded to the Government for consideration. It is intended to confer the appointment on the most suitable applicant, who must, however, have had practical railway experience. An endeavor will be made to give effect to Mr. Ell's suggestion for the installation of slot telephones at all country post offices where the toll is fld or Is", telephones to be switched on when the country office is closed. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m.