PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 October 1915, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. '* BUSIXESS DONE ON SATURDAY. By Telegraph.—Jßress Association. Wellington, Oct. 2. The Legislative Council met at 11 a.m. The following Bills were read a see ond time:—Destitute Persons' Amendment, and Coal Mines Amendment. The latter Bill waa considered in committee juid reported without amendment. The Gaming Amendment Bill was further considered in committe. The Hon. Sir F. D. Bell explained that a new clause was proposed giving a racing club the right to a totalisator permit in substitution for any racing days lost owing to its grounds being occupied for military purposes, with a proviso that the substituted day need not necessarily be in the next succeeding year. The Leader of the Council said he explicitly instructed the law draughtsman to take care that existing Tights were not infringed and that the aggregate number of permits to which the club was entitled was not exceeded. The Hon. 0. Samuel considered the new clause would effect what waa intended. The Hon. T. McGibbon thought the clause would be an act of justice to the Wellington Racing Club and. thai the Dominion wals under a debt of gratitude to the club for its assistance. At the same time he opposed the Bill on principle and thought the Council would do wisely in voting against it. The Hon. J. Ban- opposed the new clause and moved an amendment with the object of defeating it. On division the clause was retained by !7 to 3. On the motion of Sir F. D Bell a proviso was added making'it absolute-: ly clear that no further permits shall be issued beyond those previously held by any club. The Bill as amended waa reported, read a third time, and passed oil division by ID to 8. The Coal Mines Amendment Bill was reported without amendment and passed its final stages.