PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1922, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

YESTERDAY’S SITTING. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. PROGRESS OF BILLS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative Council met to-day at 2.30 p.m. The Workers* Compensation Bill and the Aged and Infirm Persons Protection Bill were read a second time pro forma and referred to committees. The Land and Income Tax Bill was read a first time. The Shipping and Seamen Amendment Bill was reported without amendment. The Council adjourned at 4.50 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to Mr. C. Mackenzie (Auckland East), the Hon. Sir R. H. Rhodes said he would inquire what prospect there was of obtaining copies of transport journals and war papers generally for distribution amongst libraries. Replying to Dr. 11. T. Thacker (Christchurch East). Mr. Massey said the chairman of the Meat Control Board had informed him that pork was bringing 6d per pound in London, which was a very good price indeed, and the board would do everything in its power to assist in the exportation of pork to Britain. NEW BILLS. The Hon. E. P. Lee gave notice of his intention to introduce the Companies Amendment Bill. The Reserves and Qther Lands Disposal Bill (European “Washing-up Bill”) was introduced by Governor's message and referred to the Lands Committee. INQUIRY INTO CHARGES. The Minister of Defence read a departmental reply to charges made by a candidate for one of the Wellington city seats, in which it was alleged that certain departmental property had been given away and a large quantity of Government stores had disappeared. The Minister, after giving an official answer, promised to have the whole matter referred to the Defence Committee for inquiry. The Premier said he did not know whether or not to take these charges seriously. At election times exaggerated statements were often made by candidates, but he thought it best to have a thorough investigation, and a full inquiry would be made. The candidate responsible for the charges would be called to give evidence, and so would anyone else who could throw any light on the subject. TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. Tn moving the second reading of the Tongariro National Park Bill, which gives legislative authority for the management and development of the park, the Hon. D. 11. Guthrie drew attention to the fact that the park had been increased from its original area of 65,000 acres to 145.000. He suggested two alterations in the personnel of the board, which were approved by the Lands Committee, viz., the appointment of the Minister of Lands and the president of the New Zealand Institute. Tn addition to these the board would consist of the paramount chief for the time being of the Ngatitiiwharetoa tribe of the native race, the Mayors of the cities of Auckland and Wellington, the warden of the park, the Under-Secro-tary of the Department of Lands and the Surveyor-General, the manager of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, the Secretary of the State Forest Service, and not more than four other persons to be appointed in that behalf by the Governor-General-in-Council. The Minister added that the Government was prepared to generously meet the suggestion made to it regarding the development of the park, and as a result he hoped it would be made attractive to visitors from overseas. To protect the interests of the public. Government departments had secured control of the board. The Minister paid a tribute to those who in the past had worked so energetically in the development of the park. With such an energetic arrangement he had no doubt that in a ! very short time there would be splendid inducements and facilities for people to visit the park. Dr. A. K. Newman (Wellington East) urged the erection of huts for the accommodation of tourists on the slopes of Tongariro. Dr. Newman pleaded for an alteration of clause four so as to prevent any possibility of the park boundaries being altered at any time in the future.

Mr. W. T. Jennings (Waitomo) also supported the Bill. He referred to the fact that Sir George Grey in 1848 ascended Ruapehu, and while on the summit sketched out the constitution under which New Zealand was to be governed. He urged that the country representatives of the district in Parliament should be included in the personnel of the board. Dr. Thacker suggested as a memorial to Te lieu Hen. the establishment of a Maori pa., in which the ancient industries and customs of the race could be reproduced and perpetuated. The Minister, in reply, promised to take the various suggestions into consideration. The second reading was carried on the voices. Subsequently the Bill was read a third time and passed. CONTROL OF HARBORS. The Hon. G. J. Anderson moved the second reading of the Harbors Amendment Bill. He explained that the only clause not asked for by the Harbor Boards’ Conference was one dealing with the utilisation of mudflats. This right had been asked for by three boards, and he considered it wise to introduce a general clause giving power to reclaim and lease harbor mudflats. Mr. S. G. Smith (Taranaki) complained that the Bill gave Harbor Boards power to increase charges. The Bill was read a second time. The House rose at 11.50 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.