PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1915, Page 6

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. IMPLIES TO QUESTIONS. • , * By Telegraph.-Press Association, 'Wellington. Yesterday, In the Lower House this afternoon, In reply to Mr. (.1. W. luissell. who drew attention to a report that a hand jrcnado had 'been invented by all All-'-Italian, anil was move ell'ective and could 'be manufactured twice as cheaply as the standard grenade, the Minister for Defcnie said bis attention had be?n drawn to the report, but he was under the impression llial the Federal Minister for Defence was investigating the merits of the grenade. If he was not doing so, as the report seemed to sagjje.it, he' (Mr. Allen) would be pleaded to make ijiijuiries concerning the invention. in reply to Dr. Thaekcr, the Prime [Minister said that there was no legislation compelling the withdrawal of dirty hank notes, but this bad generally been done by arrangement between the banks. AXXIVERSAIIY OF THE WAR. .Sir ,'loseph Ward asked the Prime Minister it be proposed to ask the House to 'pass any resolution on the ivar, in connection with the declaration day celebrations. lie thought it would have a good effect if the Hou'i! did so. LM'r. MasM'y said that he proposed to give the House an opportunity to-mor-the House .'would adjourn jo-morroW night, when members could participate in local celebrations. NEW BILLS. Tin- Hon. Dr. Buddo moved the second reading of tile Lights on Vehicles Bill. He' explained that it was intended to render compulsory the carrying of lights at night, the motion being carried. Tin- Crimes Act Amendment Bill was rcpi)rfod from committee without amendment; read a third time and passed. WAR PENSIONS. The House went into committee to consider several amendments made in the War Pensions Bill by the Secret Defence Committee, and after some discussion the amendments were agreed to. Power was given to the hoard to grant a. totally disabled soldier an addition sum. not exceeding ten shillings per week, if satisfied that the services of an attendant were indispensable, and that the soldier is not possessed of means to pay for such services. A new clause was added to the spe- j eial provisions as to wives and children of Native meni'hors of the forces, in the direction of recognising,,marriage? In accordance with Native custom. A clause was also added making provision for pensions to parents of deceased members, whoso means may in tiie future become inadequate. The Hill was reported with amendments, and read, a third time. The Hou-c adjourned at -1.-tj p.m. till 2.:;ij p.m. to-morrow.