PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 July 1916, Page 4

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By Telegrapn.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Now Zealand insurance Co. Trust Bill was r ead a third time and passed. MILITARY SERVICE BILL Hon. Sir Francis Bell moved the third reading of the -Military Service Bill. He said lie believed the measure had been Considerably improved in its passa"e .through the Council. ° Hon. .1. Ban- endorsed this view, and expressed the opinion that an unilesirable precedent had been created owing to an open door being left (or the con° scientious objector, mainly at the instance of three small refigious bodies. His idea was that a religion worth baring was worth fighting for. Hon. J. T. Paulsaid that Labor stood to lose the most by the coming into operation of the Act. He advised that the utmost care would be necessary in tiie administration of the Act. Hon. Sir W. K. Buchanan defended the farming interest from the charge of indifference, maintaining that in the supply of wheat and meat they had been iloing most valuable work. Hun. W. Eanwhaw regretted the retention of the conscientious objector clause, the effect of which would be like that of putting a match to heather. The Council adjourned at 4.40 p.m.

EVENING SITTING, The Council resumed at 8 p.m. The Hon. <!, Carson said the Bill was worthy of the occasion. It had been muck improved owing to the excellent work of the Statutes Revision Committee. With regard to consciention? objectors, he held that their opinions must be respected. He said a great deal would depend upon the administration. The Hon. Maginnity approved the Bill, but objected to the conscience clause.

The Hon. Sir Francis Bell, in replying, enlarged upon the right of the Council to amend such i Bill as that before them. With regard to administration, no doubt mistakes would be made, and they would be heard or, but the power of 'he Governor-in-Council must be exercised in such times as these, however distasteful it mtgnt be to those called upon to use that powei. He justified the introduction of the conscience clause. The Bill was read a third time and passed. SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENT BILL. The Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Bill was considered in committee. In clause .1, Sir Walter Buchanan moved a new sub-clause to the effect that the Minister of Lands shall supply In his annual report full particulars of the lauds acquired under the section during the year to which the report relatftg. The Bill was reported from Committee with amendments, read a third time and passed. The Council rose at 0.25 p.m.