PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1916, Page 4

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Council met at 2,30, Leave of absence was granted Hons, Miller and Aitken for one week, and Hon. Carncross for the remainder of the session. In reply to Dr, Collins, Sir F. H. D. "ell stated that the Government was having a report prepared of the extent of the spread of venereal disease. In any legislation that might be introduced the report of the Royal Commission would not be forgotten.

LOSS OF LORD KITCHENER.

Sir F. H. D. Bell moved, without notice, a resolution similar to that passed in the House of Representatives, touching the death of Lord Kitchener. ■He said the news of the loss the Empire had sustained had only reached the Dominion that morning, and lie was speaking without preparation. He said that Lord Kitchener's history was that of England for the last fifty years, and he sketched the noble lord's early military career until he rose to be' Sirdar of Egypt, when he carried out the Soudan campaign, which had such farreaching results. Then he was associ* atod with Lord Roberts in the settlement of the South African war. Later he was called upon to take command of the forces in connection with the present war. His death was a serious and grave event for the Empire, but the loss was not irreparable, because without doubt he had left men who could carry on his policy. i Captain Raillic", Sir W. Hall-Jones, arid Hon. Mcfiibbon each added a few graceful words in eulogy of the deceased soldier, and the resolution was carried in silence. The Council adjourned unitl 11.45 tomorrow, when the Addrcss-in-Reply will be presented to the Governor.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS The House met at, 2.3 A. Mr. F. M. Wilford asked, without notice, when the payment of the war bonus tft the second division of the railway service would he made.—The Minister of Railways said lie was not in a position to give an immediate reply. Mr. Poole asked for information regarding the reported seizure of arms from Austrian* in the north.—Hon. A. U Iferdman said that some time ago orders were given to the police to take possession of all firearms in possession of Austrians,

The Prime Minister added that arrangements in this respect were bein® made, which he felt confident would li? satisfactory to the people of New Zealand. . 1,1 reply to Mr. 'Poole, the .Minister for Defence said there was x daily report as to the sickness at Canvas Town, Keatherston, There was not the slightest reason for alarm on that account. A week's leave of absence was granted to Mr. Buddo on account of sickness, . The Premier read a letter from Mr. P. A. McTlardy, of Palmerston North, forwarding on behalf of Ins wife and family a cheque for £IOOO towards assisting the wives and families of British sailors. In expressing appreciation of the magnificent gift, the Hon; W. V. Massey said that if other wealthy men ip the Dominion saw lit- to follow the example the Government would be glad to accept their contributions.

LORD KITCHENER'S DEATH. The Premier then rose to move the following motion: "That the Xew Zealand House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, deeplv deplores the lamented death of Field Marshaf Karl Kitchener, Secretary of State for War, while proceeding ou the Hampshire to Russia at the request of the Tsar 011 an important military mission, and further, that the House records its high appreciation of his, distinguished services to the Empire as a soldier and statesman throughout his long and illustrious career; and further,'that the House desires to express its profound sorrow in the great loss which his ■Majesty's Government, the British army and the Empire as. a whole have sustained by his death.'' Mr. Massev said that Lord Kitchener w'as one of the most eminent soldiers of modern times, and it was to be regretted that he was not permitted to witness that success which must come as a. result of his efforts. His name would live as long as human memory as a strong man able to fill any emergency. He urced that this was not a time for repining and regrets, but a time for wise counsel and sacrifices. Every blow received must be returned in deadly earnest. Sir ,T. G. Ward said the news ot Lord Kitchener's death would be received with universal regret and sorrow. That he was one of the greatest modern soldiers would he acknowledged by everyone in the Empire. His position had been won by his own individual efforts, and he had to fight for promotion in every position lie had held. His powers of organisation were enormous, and he had brought to the colors nearly four millions of men, and he had brought about unity of action 011 the part of Britain and her allies. Die magic of his great name was potent throughout the Empire, and his name would be enshrined in the future, pages of history. Speaking personally, he could say- that many of the popular impressions of lord Kitchener were mistaken. He was of a gruff, hard nature, but was a gentleman in the truest sense of the term. Sir J. G. Ward alluded to Lord Kitchener's association with New Zealand's defence scheme, which his great personality had done much to assist.

Mr. A. 11. Hindmavsh, on behalf of tlie Labor 'Party, also expressed regret iit the deatli of a man whom lie looked upon as part of the foundation of the Empire. Ho hoped one result of his death would be to soften the asperities of political life in New Zealand. Mr. L. M. Isitt suggested that the Government consider the possibility of giving to the Motherland another dreadnought as an answer to the death of her fallen hero. The motion was carried in silence.