PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1921, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

YESTERDAY’S BUSINESS. A BRIEF SITTING. DEATH OF A MEMBER. By Telegr.aph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Imprest Supply Bill No. 2 was put through all stages and passed. The Official Secrets Bill was reported from the Statutes Revision Committee without amendment, and was also put through its final stages and passed. The Council rose at 2.43 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPLIES TO QUESTIONS.

The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to Sir John Luke (Wellington North), the Hon. W. D. Stewart said the Government was inquiring into the effect of the depreciated currency in certain countries so far as the tarrtt Was. concerned. The position of France and Italy would also have favorable consideration when the tariff on silks was being fixed. Replying to Mr. W. T. Jennings (Waitomo), the Hon. W. D. Stewart said the Government had sent a quantity of wavy kauri for the purpose of panelling one of the official rooms in the Canadian new Parliament Buildings. This was in accordance with a promise made to the Canadian Government. The Premier added that while he was in Canada he had seen the timber in course of preparation. Replying to Mr. M. J. Savage (Auckland West), the Hon. G. J. Anderson said payments were made fro old-age pensioners on the 23rd of the month by statute, and the law’ would require to be altered to enable payment to be made on the 21st of the month.

At this stage (2.54 p.m.) the Premier announced that he had been informed that Mr. J. H. W. Uni, member *for the Southern Maori district, had just atea, and he thought there was only one <thing to do, and that was for the House to adjourn as a mark of respect to his memory. He added that the deceased member enjoyed the respect of everyone who knew him. He was liked by all. and .10 one regretted his demise more than he (Mr. Massey) did. He moved that the House should adjourn till 7.30 p.m. This was agreed to, and Ihe House rose at 3 p.m. In the evening the Shops and Offices Act Amendment Bill was introduced by Governor-General’s message, read a'first time pro forma and referred to the Labor Bills Committee. The tariff debate occupied most cf the evening session, and the House rose at midnight till 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.