Parliament

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 69, 11 August 1914, Page 8

Parliament

| LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By Telegraph—Pres? Association Wellington, Monday. The Legislative Council met at 11 o'clock. The Mortgages Extension Bill was put through all stages with very minor •amendments. A new clause was added providing that the Act continue in force until December 31, 1915. The Regulation of Trade and Commerce Bill was considered in committee, put through without material amendment, read a third time and passed, Speaking upon the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Bill, the Hon. J. Duthie pointed out that the measure might have a very serious effect upon the trade of the country. No sane man would go on importing goods under the proposed Act. The mercantile classes should not be called upon to make such a, sacrifice. There was also a danger of destroying credit. No interference should be made at present with c-ore merce. This view, later in the discussion, was agreed with' by the Hon. Mr MacGregor. The Council rose at 12.23. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. AFTERNOON SESSION. Wellington, Last Night. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Dr. Newman said that many people outside the House were anxious to know if, in the event of serious unemployment, t!he Government would take steps to relieve hardship. In reply, Mr. Massey said he was prepared to do all that he could to relieve distress, and public works would be' carried on. A message was received from the Council that the Mortgages Extension and Regulation of Trade and Commerce Bills had passed with amendments. The Attorney-General asked that those made in the Mortgages Extension Bill be held over for consideration. Mr. Massey agreed to the amendments made in the latter Bill. Mr. Webb introduced the Industrial Arbitration Act Amendment Bill, whicft was read a first time. Statements in connection with the European crisis, as reported elsewhere, were made by the Premier and Mr. Fisher. The House adjourned until 2.30 p.m. en Tuesday.