PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1916, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. » ■ INDUSTRIAL ENQUIRE , COMMISSION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Council met at 2.30. Hon. W. Furnsliaw moved that the Government taku into consideration tht wisdom of joining with the Commonwealth Government in the appointment of an Industrial Commission of Inquiry, representative of manufacturers and workers, to visit the United States and report upon the methods of manufacture, production and conditions of employment. He said the present was an opportune time for the discussion of th» question with Australia, and this country could not afford to lag behind while Australia was developing commercially, Hon, J. T. Paul seconded the motion. Hon Sir F. H. D. Bell remarked thai while lie hoped New Zealand and Australia would join in friendly rivalry, he loped the day would not come when the Djimnion would be one of the States of an Australian Commonwealth. The motion was carried. The Finance Bill was read ft first time, the second reading being flieu tomorrow. The Council rose at 2.65 p.m,, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 7.30 p.m. The Minister of Public Works moved a lesolution appointing a committee to arrange for i.hc furnishing of the new, Parliament Buildings. The motion was agreed to. The Minister laid on the table the Public Works Statement, and intimated that the debate thereon would be taken on Friday next. LAND AND INCOME TAX. Several amendments to the Land and Income Tax Bill were introduced by Governor's message, the alterations, which are all directed to remedying'the technical difficulties in the principal Bill, being in Clause 2, omitting- from the definition of Native land the words "any land which is Native land," and substituting the words "Native freehold land." Another amendment provided that in the case of companies engaged in gold mining or scheelite mining, the taxable income derived by that company in any year shall be deemed to be onehalf of the total sum paid as dividends during that year. The Minister moved that the amendment be agreed to. Mr. Wilford took exception to the amendments being considered at once, and he pointed out objections to several. Sir Joseph Ward said the clauiie affecting mining companies had been put in at the request of the companies. As the proposal in the Bill involved a sum of £IO,OOO to the Treasury, he had placed the legislation exactly as it wn< before. Mr. Wilford said he did not think objection could be taken to legislation which would compel capitalists to invest their monies in war debentures. Ho asserted his belief that would loyally support tho war loan If it were sliown that it was required. MR. PAYNE SUSPENDED. Mr. Payne was speaking iti condemnation of the proposed amendment dealing with income derived by banking companies, when he was reprimanded for using improper language with reference to the Finance Minister. On being called upon to apologise and evpress regret, he apologistxl, but absolutely declined to express regret. He was named bv the Speaker, and on being given another opportunity to express his regret,' again declined. Sir Joseph Ward (in the absence of Mr. Massey), moved that Mr. Payne be excluded from the House for the remainder of the sitting. This was carried without debate, and Mr. Payne with- . drew. DEBATE RESUMED. In the course of further remarks, Sir Joseph Ward ridiculed the idea that the balasces at credit in the banks could be utilised, as in many cases those sums represented traders' balances, which were in daily use. 'I he amendments were agreed to Sir Joseph Ward saiu he did not consider the War Regulations Bill should be gone on <vit!i in the absence of t'na Premier and Minister of Defence, <uil ba move,; th»t it* Hoi.s? adjourn till .ISO to-morrow.