PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 143, 4 November 1912, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1012. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Saturday. PUBLIC WORKS ESTIMATES. The House met at 10.30 a.m., and went into committee on the Public Works Estimates. On the railways vote for £1,304,500, Mr. Pearce moved to reduce the item of £17,000 for the Otira-Bealey line by £l, as an indication that a commission should be set up to enquire whether the line would pay. Sir A. Guinness contended that the railway would prove valuable for freighting coal. He quoted figures which showed a saving of 2s 2d a ton in favor of the railway from the West Coast to Christchurch. Double handling (detrimental to coal) had also to be considered. The carriage of timber would also prove a payable item. Mr. Pearce said coal could be carried on scows at a lower freight than was charged by the Union Company, also that the timber industry on the Coast was not extensive.

The Hon. R. McKenzie said that lie would like to see Mr. Pearce piloting a scow over the Grey river bar. The amendment was rejected by 48 to 4.

The railway vote was passed un altered.

The public works, post and telegraph, agricultural, mental hospitals, public health, and school buildings votes were passed practically without discussion. The whole of the Estimates were put through at 12.40 p.m. The Washing-up Bill, introduced by Governor's message, was read a first time, and the House rose at 1.10 p.m., to resume at *2.30 p.m. on Monday.