Parliament

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 61, 1 August 1914, Page 4

Parliament

legislative council. FRIDAY, JULY 31. l'er Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. I lie Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Imprisonment for Debt Limitation JSill was road a first time. The Fruit Preserving Industry Bill was read a first time, and referred to tllie Agricultural Committee. lho Local Elections Polls Amendment and the Harbors Amendment Bills wer« referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. 7 The Victoria College BiE was read » second time and referred to the Educatioji Committee. t-Jwr 9 0Un , eil ad j°urned at 2.40 p.m. till Wednesday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. " AFTERNOON SEP HON The House met at 2.30 p.m. „Z h f Elth »A Drainage Reform Bill (Mr. Wilkinson) was read a first time. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TUT.T,

Mr. Russell, in introducing the Legiilative Council Bill, explained that the Bill provided for an elective Council. All the present- councillors would retire on tihe passing of the Bill, retaining their privileges and emoluments for a period for which they have been appointed, but would be eligible for thfe election. The Chamber would comprise 40 members, and the qualification would be the same as for the louse. The method of election would be eiflher fcj proportional representation or transferable vote in grouped electorates, two members being elected for every four existing constituencies. THE LANDS REPORT. Mr. Massey, in the discussion of tha lands report, pointed out that it was necessary to clear up points in connection with the debate adj. urned from the previous evening before he could hav« the supplementary report ciroalatcd. H# traversed the land settlement operations of his Government, and contended that comparison would show that the settlement made by his administration had progressed much more rapidlv than under the administration of his predecessors.

Sir Joseph Ward contended that the country had a right to know why thr funds of the Advances to Settlers Department were being used for new piuv poses. It meant an extra burden of many millions. Money intended for improvements and homes should not b« diverted to the purchase of the freehold of leasehold lands.

Mr Witty said he wanted it made plain" that he did not object to money beina advanced to settlers, but he did object' to money borrowed by the State beta* ient out for the purdhasp of freehold. J. he motion to print the report wa* agreed to. THE LICENSING BILL. Ihe House then went inio committer on the Licensing Bill. Mr. Ma-ssey explained that he had had several amendments drafted, but thtf Clown law officers told him thev wof# not properly drawn. He therefore pros posed to hold them over for revision, and hare them moved in the Upnei i ™ 1^ aling ' with t!le sternest bj Mr. Wilford, the Premier said he favored provision to prevent loss of licenses by the alteration of boundaries, lation t0 any rctros P (>ctivo lcgiaSiv Joseph Ward agreed that it wa» wrong to over-ride the law by alteration boundaries of electorates. Mr Bell moved six new clauses covering tho restoration of licenses in no- , license districts where effected by the action of the Electoral Boundary Commissionors, J

W °" W „^ r Mr. Bell violl e)* ?!'. printed amendment tt 'Xu pi ' o y" ln !" , tllat Wee.tomt Come."T,« b< \ 'fi 4 ™^'' 1 . not to inOiitrVt- ' t™" os 1,1 ®' "o-lieenae-voiw' ~ l n /T rarried on the AT ' <1- ' dC ' ! t0 th<> BiUr. Vciteh moved an amendment t» air. ,jme moved an amendment designP i'"? I " ! "r r I)ein S'supplied to o .h, >,;* iioiffs lioldimj wholesale Jit f :' n on file voices. 10 I" Wilford. ■ ■ ;" 1' ,\l homnn who lias obtain- „ " 1 ' 1,11 allows! to hold ( ii." d on the ?oieea. w... -1 -'n n and -It lit- ■" amend-

Hl1 "' 1 d Mr. Maa\,.i i... .. ' . .' - ment would .... -n.. v ii.wn i„ xt, \.;;ek, but -jot .ii'-.-nn, v , rl >" "oils.* at 11.53 p.m.