PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1922, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. MAIN HIGHWAYS BILL. AMENDMENTS PROPOSED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Wellington, Oct. 28. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. to-day. The Main Highways Bill was reported from the Statutes Revision Committee with a recommendation to strike out the subclause dealing with the apportionment expenditure of license-fees and the tyre tax between the North and South Islands; also the clause providing that the board’s proportion of costs may be reduced if sufficient funds are available. These amendments were agreed to. Another amendment, providing for the appointment of two representatives of counties, was carried.

The Mining Amendment Bill and the Stone Quarries Amendment Bill were passed through all stages. In dealing with amendments proposed by Governor-General’s message, in the Stamp Duties Bill, Sir William Fraser drew special attention to the difference of opinion amongst lawyers in reference to the stamping of agreements for sale. The Hon. O. Samuel stated his intention to move a motion “that in the opinion of the Council the Bill should be amended by expressly providing that a mere offer for sale shall nor, be liable to duty.” The motion was agreed to and transmitted to the House. The Council adjourned at five o’clock until 2.30 p.m. on Monday.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to Mr. A. Harris (Waitemata), Mr. Massey said the electoral enrolment forms used need not necessarily be printed by the Government printer. So long as they complied with the Act they would be received. In reply to Mr. E. Newman (Manawatu), the Hon. D. H. Guthrie said that although notices to pay up arrears of rent might be sent to soldier settlers, no soldier had anything to fear from the department so long as he was doing his duty. It was only business that such notices should be sent, and he was not going to allow his department to become lax in its business methods. PROGRESS OF BILLS. The “Washing-Up” Bill was put through its final stages, with technical amendments, and passed. An amendment of the Legislature Act, providing for the representation of the people of the Chatham Islands in. Parliament, was introduced by Governor-General’s message and read a first time. The Friendly Societies Amendment Bill was read a second time. This, with the Native Trustee Bill, was put through its final stages and passed.

In committee on the Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Bill (Native “Washing-Up” Bill), Mr. W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne) objected to Clause 7, empowering the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court to make an amending order where an error had been made in ascertaining a title. He declared the clause opened the way to a grave injustice being done. The Minister promised to look into the matter, and if necessary an amendment could be made in another place.

The Bill was reported and the third reading was held over. The House adjourned at 11.40 p.m. till 10.30 a.m. on Monday.