Parliament

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 71, 13 August 1914, Page 4

Parliament

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12. afternoon session. Bv Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. r The Local Elections and Polls Amendment. Civil Servile Unavaivtee Ke»eiil and the Immigration Restriction Hills were read a first time. The Methodist Church Charitable and Education and the Presbyterian Church froperty liills were read a se-ond time. Hun. Join's' motion to amend the present methods of cancelling the reservation of national reserves was carried. The Master and Apprentices Amendment Hill was referred back to the Labor liills Committee for amendment. The Fruit Preserving Industry Bill wm put through committee without amendment and passed. The Imprisonment for Debt. Limitation Hill was read « second time aridwas referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The Council adjourned 'temporarily at 3.55 p.m. HOUSE QF REPRESENTATIVES. EVENING -SESSION. The House met at 7-30 p.m. , REPLIES TO QUESTION. In .reply to Mr. Wilkinson, the Pre- i mier said that legislation would be in- , ,trodu<-ed to enable local bodies to make grants towards the war fund. In reply to Mr. Wilkinson, who asked the Minister of Finance if he would state what policy was being followed in connection with the Advances to Set- | tiers Department, Mr. Allen said ad- v vanees had been postponed from week to week. The Government was prepared to fulfil all its responsibility, but a circular had been sent to local bodies asking them to postpone the commencement of now works wherever possible: With regard to advances to settlers, Cabinet had not yet decided what course it would follow, but it would assist the Government materially if local bodies would not, for the present, send in tlainis -for new works. Obligations in connection with works in course of completion would be carried out. In reply to Mr. Witty, tue Minister /said commitments to settlers would be carried out. WAS RISKS. Sir Joseph Ward asked the Premier what had been done with regard to the provision of war risks on exports. This matter was of vital importance, and unless something was done the condition of things would be gravely disturbed. Unless some action were taken it -would result in the hardening of prices. He read a. telegram from a reliable firm stating that the war risk from London was now 20 guineas. This would produce stagnation in trade. Another important matter was Hhe exportation of frozen meat. He was informed that the freight eliai'ges were, preventing tho export of frozen produce to London, and while lie recognised ifc was necessary to transport men and horses, lie thought companies should be allowed to ship meat by the transports. If exports were stopped it would mean a dislocation of trade in the country. In support of Sir Joseph Ward's statement, Mr. C. A. Wilkinson (Egmont) pointed out that he had personally received a cable that his goods from New York would be subject to a 20 per cent, rate. The Premier stated that te Government had the matter in hand. The Hon. F. M. B. ( Fisher stated that negotiations Svcre in progress with hhe Imperial Government to arrange for war risks, and he read a series of messages exchanged with the Home authorities. He had asked the Home Government if it would be arranged to accept risks upon New Zealand exports, but he hail not vet received a reply. I* reply to Mr. Buddo, the Premier ■said he hoped in a few days to be able to remove a proclamation prohibiting the exportation of oats, peas and loose beans. There was no- desire to interfere with trade, and he was now satisfied we have more oats in New Zealand than was required for our own use. Sir Joseph Ward returned to the question of war risks, and in reply the Hon. Fisher said he was satisfied the arrangements made by tho Imperial authorities meant to cover shipments to the dominions.

Sir Joseph Ward referred to the fact that firms in New Zealand wer e being asked to pay a premium of 20 per cent. It was imperative that the Government should take the matter up. In reply to Messrs Daw and Witty, Mr. Thomson (dhairman of the Education Committee) stated that so far as he knew it was the intention of the Education Committee to continue tho taking of evidence concerning the Bihie-in-Se.hools Bill as soon as the committee completed consideration of thi Education Bill.. PUBLIC REVENUES AMUXDMRN I , The Hon. A. L. IlYrriman moved t.'eit the amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Mortgages intensionBill be agreed to. The Hon. J. Allen inovjd Uie second reading of the Public Revenue Bill, giving power to raise sums of Treasury bills in aid of public works. 'I he Treasury bills will bo redeemed by monies obtained J>y subsequent loans. The provision atl;"d for at the present time was £2.000:1:00. portions of which could be allocated either for the war fund or tin. Public Works Fund. It was also proposed to increase the present. authority to raise Treasury bills up to £1,500,000. Sir -Tosojjli Ward said he would not oppose the Bill, but thought it unwise to introduce matter- which had no di. rent connection with the present ensia. The JJill <mve the Minister power to Issue £4.50(i,;;.:! vv.srUi of Treasury That he considered too nnicih poire:- to place in the. hands of any Mir.K-L, r. Further, the power !;i!;en was not temporary, but permanent. [[e resetted they had not had an opportunity of dis-' cussing the Bill before, the Public Accounts Committee. Mr. Russell supported the objections ' raised .by Sir Joseph Ward to such enormous power bcinw placed in the hands of a Minister instead of the Executive Council, but they did not criticise the measure with any desire to hamper the Government. Mr. Wilford congratulated the Government upon the steps it had taken. While suggesting amendments, ihe was certain the House would not vote anr money thought unnecessary. Mr. Buddo supported the Bill, but thought no limit of 5 per cent, be placed upon the Minister for Finance. ' Messrs Hanan, Ell, Witty, Fraser and Buchanan also spoke, and the Minister for _ Finance* in reply, said he welcomed criticism of the Bill, but there was nocessitv. apart from the war, to give the Minister a larger limit with regard to the issue of Treasury bills. He had ao

iii tent ion at present of expanding the note issue. The House then went iuto committee on tin; Hill, wliirfi was reported -with amendments. ' On Urn third reading, Sir Joseph Ward said the necessity lor placing the Go: vi-vv.mi nt in a sound financial position overrode tuiytliiug else. That was his .reason tur supporting tlw Bill. The Bill was read d third time and passed. The House rose at 11.20 until 7.30 p.m. on Thursday.