PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1920, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DISCUSSED, By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. , The Hon. J. MacGrcgor (Duncdin) gave notice of his intention to introduce a Marriage Amendment Bill (No. 2). Sir Francis Bell (Leader of the Council) moved the second reading of the Immigration Restriction Amendment Bill. The Hon. W. J. Geddis (Napier) said there was one possible source of immigration with which Sir Francis Bell had not dealt, namely, half-caste Chinese from Samoa. Were these people to be allowed, to find their way to New Zealand?!; ~ The Hon. H. L. Michel (Hokitika) asked whether any communication had been held with the Commonwealth with "a view 1 to concerted action. ' -■■ Sir Francis Bell said that association such as Mr. Michel suggested would be very desirible, and he hoped it would come abQUt.' The position of the Commonwealth, however, was very-different from that of New Zealand, and it was quite possible that the Commonwealth might think it nepessary to go further Jh certain respects, persons in Samoa not of British birth or parentage, were in the same position as similar" people in Hongkong. The Bill was read a second time and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. . LOCAL BILLS, The following Jocil'&lls were received from the House $f 'Representatives and read' a. first time:— Tauranga Harbor Board Empowering Bill; Christchurch Tramway District Bill; Waimakariri Harbor District Empowering Amendment Bill; New Plymouth Recreation and Racecourse Amendment j3ill; and the Whakatane Harbor Amendment Bill. The Council also read a first time the Municipal Corporations Bill, received from the House. " WELMRE OF THE PEOPLE, In accordance with notice of motion, the Hon. Colonel, W. E. CTolKns''(Wellington! moved: "That in the,opinion of the Council the time ; is ripe* 5 ht initiating n comprehensive Scheme, fdr the purpose of further improving the generals welfare, of the people, the encouragement of thrift, and the prevention and early detection of disease." ' ' ;/ •: ■'■ He said he believed the medicaf pfofession was prepared to do some Mm of national service, bringing it.. into closer contact with the Health Department. He suggested that, to aid in the early detectipn and prevention of dis■ease, every person up to 21 years of age fihould be subject to examination once a year. Expectant mothers should be fully informed on subjects" of vital interest to them. ' Speaking on the encouragement of thrift, he urged that a man reaching CO years should get interest on money which he earned for the Stite. The old age pension was d6ing something on these lines. He urged that people should, be taught the value of money by encouraging a form of investment at birth, which would provide something (?| take the place of a pension in old age. He suggested better education of children in regard to simple diatetiea and sexual matters. The Hon. Sir J." R. Sinclair (Duncdin) seconded the motion, stressing the need for thrift and economy in view of less prosperous times coming. Of the three agencies available, namely, the Board of Trade, the people, and the Government, the Board of Trade could do the least in keeping down high costs. The remedy lay mainly with the people, who, while producing the utmost,' should restrict demands on the Government for expenditure. The practice of individual cconoirfy was essential, and a start should be made with the paying off of the war debt. The debate was adjourned, on the motion of the Hon. J. B. Gow (Opotiki), and the Council rose at 4.40 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WOMEN PATROLS. , The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. ' Replying to Mr. M. J. Savage (Auckland Weat), the flon. C. J. Parr said there were eight women patrols now doing duty in the Dominion,, two. in each city. This activity had been taken over by the Public Health Department two or three months ago, and he understood the patrols were doing very useful work. THE PRICE OF GAS. Replying to Mr. W. E. Parry (Auckland Central), the Hon. E. P. Lee said it was obvious that no gas company shortld be allowed to sell inferior gas at the full price, but the matter was not one that as yet came' under the jurisdiction of the Board of Trade. RECKLESS MOTORISTS. Replying to Dr. H. T. Thacker (Christchurch East), Mr. Massev said he had been inquiring into the matter of reckless motor driving, and, if necessary, legislation to deal with it would be introduced this session. Replying to Mr. 6. Mitchell (Wellington South), Mr. Massey said the recommendations of the new Director of Forestry had not yet been considered by Cabinet. The financing of the new Department of Forestry had been considered, and it was thought the present legislation would suffice, for all purposes of the department. THE SCHOOL OF MINES. Replying to Mr. R. P. Hudson (Motueka), Mr. Massey said there was at present no intention to remove the control of the School of Mines from the Mines Department to the Education Department. Both he and the Minister of Education were of opinion that the School of Mines was better where it was. ~ PENSIONS FOR THE BLIND, Referring to Mr. D. CI. Sullivan (Avon), the Hon., Sir William Hemes said no decision had yet been come to in regards to granting pensions to the blind. OTHER BUSINESS. The presentation of a pttper on higher education by the 'Minister of Education raised a debate, in which members appealed for more generous treatment of superannuated ieachers, j Mr. as, Statoaa .(Oua«dia CinJrajV