PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1916, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,

A SHOET SITTING. By Telegraph.—Press Associations Wellington, Last Night The Council mot at 2:30 p.m., WhW the following Bills were read a second time: New Zealand Insurance Co., TnMt Expiring Laws Continuance; and the Military Sen-ice Bills. The latter was referred to the Statutes Revision Committee, and the Council rose at 2.58 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

IMPREST SUPPLT!

DISCHARGED SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENT BILL. Wellington, Last Night. An Imprest Supply Bill, appropriating £051,800, was introduced by Governor'* Message. Sir Joseph Ward said that there was no alteration on the schedule* of previous years, except in respect of the amount of £ SOO tinder the Swamp Land Drainage Act. The Bill was pat through all its stages, and passed without discusion. An amendment to the Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor's Message. The amendment empowers the Government to expend £IOO,OOO in assisting soldiers on the lend, instead of £50,000 as provided in the Bill.

The House then went in committee on the Bill.

The Prime Minister said that since the House last met he had discussed. Clause 7 with the Minister of Finance, and they had come to the conclusion that the clause was not necessary. Ha therefore .moved to strike out the clauae. Mr. J. Payne >aid that such a proceeding meant that the Government would have an absolutely free hand to do at it pleased. Sir J. Q. Ward said that there must be flexibility, but no one should suppose; that any Government was sjoing to issue debenturec at 5 per cent., free of )n<t come-tax, if it could avoid it. •On a division on Mr. Payne's amend.' mant (this was moved bn Friday night), \ to eliminate ;the exemption of holders of debentures from the income-tax, tbf amendment was negatived by .17 to 9*. A new clause was added, on the motion jf Mr Massey. reducing the maximum within the meaning of the Land- for Settlements Act of 1008, in the case of .■ lands situated more than five miles ftam the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch. or Dunedin:

The House adjourned at 4.45 p.m.

A MINISTER'S SALARY. SHORT EVENING SITTINO.

When the House resumed at 7.30 p.UL, , when it was expected that the debate on the Financial Statement would commence, Mr. G Witty «>se, and asked to be supplied with the increased cost of the Cabinet, under the new condition*. He commented adversely on the increased charges involved by cvtra Ministers and "ecretaries, and their travelling expenses. He also remarked upon the cost attached to the recent opening of the saaatovimn at Hanmer. ■« Hon. W. J). S. McDonald said thatthe information required involved the cost pf secretaries and other charges, which, could not be given offhand. Hon A. T~. Ngata/ then moved progress be reported. Hon. W. D. S. McDonald said that it was des'rablo to press the first item be* fore, progress was reported. Mr. R W. Forbes argued that the Hon. /. A. Kalian's services as a Minister should he paid. , Mr G. .1. Anderson said that M*. Hanan was doinr, good work as a Ministor of Education, and should receive a; salarv. Mr. L. M. Isitt said that it was not in /acciU'diince \.ith the dignity of the House that Mr. Hanan should not be paid, par-, ticiilarly ns he was doing work a»a> Minister in a thoroughly earnest and capable manner. The iirst item. Legislative Council Salaries and Other Charges, £11)30, was reported and the House rose at- 7.55 p.m.