PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1920, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. &j Telegraph.—> -is Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Imprest Supply Bill (No. 5) was received from the House of Representatives, put through all stages, and passed. The Council's Bill was committed and reported with minor amendments, which included a new clause giving councils power to contribute towards the cost of approved war memorials erected by any other local body or by public subscription. The Bill was passed. The Council rose at 6.S p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. HOMES FOR IMMIGRANTS. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. Replying To Mr. J. Cralgie (Timaru), the Hon. W. Nosworthy said all reports he had received showed there was plenty of accommodation for immigrants arriving in New Zealand. He did. not pretend to say they were all getting houses, but so far as he knew they were being provided for. NEW BILLS. The District Railways Amendment Bill was, on the motion 'or the Hon. J. G. Coates, read a first time. The Hon. Sir Heaton Rhodes gave notice of his intention to introduce the Aviation Act! 1918, Amendment Bill.

THE 48-HOUR WEEK. In bringing down a report of the Labor Bills Committee on the Government Shops and Gfflces Amendment Bill, Mr. J. P. Luke (chairman) said the committeee had come to the conclusion that the time had arrivcdd when a 48hodr week should be made applicable to workers in hotels and large private hotels, and he hoped that the 'Minister would bring down legislation next session dealing with this matter. If so, he would have the unanimous support of the Labor Bills Committee behind him. Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon) pointed out that the present law relating to clerks was so full of exceptions that it was very little use; to those ejlgaged in clerical pursuits. He hoped that, when the law was amended next year, some attention would be paid to the unsatisfactory position of clerks. RETIRED BUBLIC SERVANTS. A lengthy discussion ensued on a report of the M to Z Petitions Committee on a petition of superannuated public servants, who asked for some consideration in view of the increased cost of living. / The committee reported that as the request was a matter of policy they had no recommendation to make. Manv members expressed sympathy with the petitioners, and hoped that the Government would give the matter favorable consideration.

Mr. Massey stated that widows of superannuated civil servants would participate in £IOO,OOO which the Government proposed to vote to meet the necessities of the case. THE MARRIAGE LAW. On the motion of Mr. W. D. Stewart (Dunedin West) the report and evidence on the Marriage Amendment Bill was ordered to be printed and circulated, though not formally kid on the table of the House.