PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1915, Page 4

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Bjr Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Xight. QUESTIONS. The House met at 7.30 p.m. Replying to questions, Ministers said that fullest inquiries were being made Loth, as to the quantity and quality of ftuy lands proposed to be set apart for returned soldiers; that no information lias been received from the Imperial Government tliat crossbred wool could be exported to Allied or neutral countries, and it should be recognised that unrestricted export to neutral countries such as the United States could not be allowed; that provision is being made in the Finance Bill to exempt soldiers' estates from death duty to a certain extent; that the Railway Department is not in a position to give concessions on the. usual charges for conveyance of either passengers or other traffic over the railways; that the matter of permitting the holding of art unions, raffles, etc., for patriotic purposes is receiving the consideration of the Government, and it is hoped to make a definite announcement this week.

NEW BILLS PASSED. The following local Bills were put through the Committee stage, read a third time, and passed: --Jpiapakura Beach Vesting Bill, Wellington and Karon Sanitation and Water Supply Amendment Bill, Christchurch Electrica'l Supply Empowering Amendment Bill, Wyndham Recreation Reserve Amendment Bill, and Tokomaru Bay Harbour Bill.

The Bluff Harbor Improvements Bill Wfta put through all stages without discussion. The Savings Banks Amendment. Bill was read a second time on the motion 0/ Sir Joseph Ward, who explained that the Bill was intended to plaeo private savings hanks on the same footing as the Post\Ofßee Savings Bank. Hie following Government Bills were read a second time without debate:— Savings Bank Amendment Bill; Fruit Preserving Industry Amendment Bill; Scenery Preservation Amendment Bill; Swamp Drainage Bill. The motion for the second reading of the Rational Provident Fund Bill, making a formal amendment in the original Act, gave rise to a debate in which a number of members protested against the unfair position in which Friendly Societies were put by the operation of the National Provident Fund, which was being so actively pushed by Government agents. The Bill was read the second time.

An Imprest Supply Bill, providing for payments of £953,500 was introduced by Governor's message, and passed all stages forthwith.

The War Funds Bill, providing foT the administration of patriotic funds, was read a second time, and the House adjourned at 9.35 p.m.