PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1917, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By Telegraph.—'Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative Council met to-day, when Sir Francis Bell moved the second reading of the War Act Amendment Bill, and, replying to criticisms, pointed out inat the Government's revenue wag limited, and ho did not think there was a country in the world that was making such liberal allowances. The Council adjourned at 5.15 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The House met at 2.30. Ihree days leave of absence was granted to Sir James Carroll, DEFENCE MATTERS. Sir James Allen read a statement from tlu- Sergeant-Major of a Wellington battalion, who returned to New Zealand ivitum the last few days, which went to thou- that the men at the front had nniple food and clothing and sufficient money.

Mr Witty asked why the Minister did not, direct that these statements be printed, so that members could discuss them It was not fair to make a statement and (leny members the opportunity to discuss it.

.The Minister replied that he was not disposed to waste the time of the House in discussing these matters. Sir James Allen drew attention to an article in a newspaper criticising tho Defence estimates, which were alleged to be inaccurate. This he desired to deny emphatically. The Defence estimates were accurate and were sufficient. He had no doubt the expenditure would be well within the estimate, notwithstanding the additional demands of the War .Office, He had personally supervised the expenditure department .so far as it was possible for one man to do it, and he welcomed any commission of inquiry the House might think fit to sanction." j FINANCE. Sir Joseph Ward read a statement showing the financial position of- the country for the six months ended 30th September. He said there was a shortage under all heads of £400,000, as Ifsgainst the jniilar period last year. and it .vas evident we were not, going to have as much revenue as last year,"due principally to shortages in'the customs and railway returns; 'but there was no seed for anxiety. Our position was a strong or.o, and there was no fear of a deficit.

LAST MAN OX FARM. Replying to a question, Sir James Allen said he did not propose to have the Military Service Act amended in the direction of making it, mandatory on tho Military Servico Boards to exempt the last Irian on the farm, There were always two sides to a question, and It must lie left to the discretion of tho boards, in view of the indications given them of the Government's policy on this question.

Sir John Findlay: Why not set up an Appeal Hoard?

'Sir J times Allen: 1 do not think an Appeal Board could do any good. SOLDIERS SETTLEMENT ACT. Mr. Massoy moved the third reading of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Aet. which was agreed to after a brief debate. PUBLIC WORKS. On the motion that the House «o into Committee of Supply to consider the public . works estimates, Mr. McCallum complimented the Minister upon the equitable manner in which he had allocated the small amount of money available for public works. He urged the Minister to make preparations to enter upon a vigorous policy immediately the waf was 6ver.

Dr. Newman urged the development of hydro-electric power for the North Island. Mr. R!1 followed in similar strain. Sir John Findlay advocated a more vigorous policy in the erection of workers' homes, as the high rents workers ■ had to pay was the most distressing feature of the housing problem. Mr. Forbes urged the Minister to go I on tour nd see how other countries were dealing with engineering problems. The House adjourned at 3.30. Mr, Poole said the statement was a remarkable document, inasmuch as it showed liow much of the money voted by Parliament had not been spent. He put in a plea on behalf of the settlers of the far north, where the recent phenomenal rainfall had reduced them to great distress, for most generous con. sideration. "Ie strongly urged the rapid development of hydro-electrical power in the North Island.

Mr. Jennings advocated a policy of concentration in connection with public works, and that expenditure on palatial buildings in cities should stop. Mr. Poland ventilat-i a number of local grievances. Mr. Glover asked that a more liberal policy be adopted in connection with the erection of schools in the Cook Islands. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m., Mr. Anderso.i continuing the debate on tiltPublic Works statement. He said that the production of the country ha(fc special claims on the Government, and efforts Bhould be made to have continuous work in making roads in the bacLbloeks, especially where there was new settlement. It would be better to stop the construction of several lines of railways for the time >ing, and transfer the labor to road construction and farm work. Messrs Webb and Colvin discussed the statement from a fnining point of view, Mr. Wilford supported the Minister in his determination not to part with the water rights for hydro-electrical purposes.

Mr. Ngata described the sad plight in which the settlers on the oast coast were left as the result of the recent floods, and he appealed for financial assistance to repair the dam'age done.

At the conclusion of the Minister's reply, tfc ■ whole of the estimates were passed without discussion. The House rose at 12.35 a.m.