PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1922, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NEW BILLS INTRODUCED. WIRELESS TO BRITAIN. Bj’ Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. Notice of intention to introduce the following Bills was given: Electric Power Boards Bill (Hon. J. G. Coates), Judicature Amendment Bill (Hon. E. P. Lee), Fireblight Bill (Hon. W. Nosworthy), War Disabilities Removal Bi'l (Hon. W. D. Stewart). The Postmaster-General (Hon. J. G. Coates) informed Mr. T. K. Sidey (Dunedin South) that the Government had given consideration to the wireless scheme entered into by the South African and Australian Governments for direct wireless communication with the Old Country. The Government was now negotiating in this connection, but he was unable to give more information at present. Replying to Mr. Sidey, Mr. Massey said that in any legislation to be introduced , this session dealing with the superannuation fund, the rights of contributors would be safeguarded as at present. In reply to Mr D. Jones (Kaiapoi), the Hon. W. Nosworthy said the Government had noticed the organisation of a combination for the sale and distribution of flour, and in that connection the Government would take every care that the rights of wheatgrowers and the interests of the consumers would be fully conserved. Replying to Mr. W. E. Parry (Auckland Central), the Hon. J. G. Coates said he could not hold out much hope of the Government adopting the Stone Quarries Bill, introduced by the hon. gentleman, but he would submit the question to Cabinet. The following Bills were introduced by Governor-General’s message and read a first time: Weights and Measures Amendment Bill, which the Hon. G. J. Anderson said was merely effecting a change-over of control fro mthe Internal Affairs Department to the Labor Department; State Fire Insurance Amendment Bill, which the Hon. J. G. Coates explained gave effect to the original intention of the act that policyholders might participate in bonuses; and the Post and Telegraph Amendment Bill. On the motion of the Premier, it was agreed that on and after Wednesday, September 13, and for the remainder of the session, Government business should take precedence on Wednesdays. MERCANTILE MATTERS The Hon. E. P. Lee moved the committal of the Mercantile Law Amendment Bill, ■ which was read a second time pro forma and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee and returned without amendment. He explained that the Bill extends protection to a consignee not only against the master of a vessel, but also against the owner or charterer of a vessel. There was no objection to the Bill, and he hoped it would go through. Its committal was ordered. Mr. Lee then moved the committal of the Sea Carriage of Goods Bill, which was also read a second time pro forma and reported from the Statutes Revision Committee, where evidence was heard from the parties interested. By the Statutes Revision Committee provision was added making it of no avail to describe on a consignment note that the goods were received in a damaged condition unless attention to such condition is drawn when the goods are delivered alongside the ship and the condition noted on the receipt given at the time or on the bill of lading. Another new clause was added enabling | a consignee of goods for which he holds a receipt showing the goods were shipped in good order and condition to produce the receipt as prima facie evidence that the goods were shipped in good order and condition. In the present state of the law the production of a receipt is not sufficient. These two amendments were considered fair 1 and reasonable by counsel for both ship- - i pers and shipping companies who came before the committee. Another provision in the Bill prevented shipping companies contracting themselves outside the provisions of the Sea Carriage of Goods Act. For a breach of each section, a fine of £lOO was provided. Further, shipping companies must show that bills of lading are issued subject to the conditions of the Act. Both Bills were read a third time and passed. The Premier indicated that one of the most important Bills yet to be introduced was the Land and Income Tax Bill. The House rose at 12.40 a.m. till 2.30