PARLIAMENTARY’ NEWS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 975, 13 July 1882, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY’ NEWS.

Monday's Sitting. The Hon Major Atkinson brought or* ward his National Insuranc# scheme, stating it was the most important matter he had ever brought before the House. The scheme was originated by Mr Blakely, in England, but he had, trjfid to make it suitable for the colony. Under Mr Blakely’s scheme no one who was capable of labor would have any claim on the funds, but he (Major Atkinson) proposed that everyone should draw from it. He referred to the causes which led to pauperism, and said that a National Compulsory Insurance was the only way of areiding it. Hia scheme was that a charge of £4l 17s Id would be made against every young man and young woman between the aget of 16 and 23 years which they would have to pay at the rate of 2s 3d per week, if at 16 years, or 3s 3d per week if at 18 years. This would provide for them in sickness or old age. Persons over 23 years would be compelled te pay £6 a year for a certain number of years, and persons over 5 years, provided for by belonging to Friendly Societies, would be exempt. For the purpose of carrying this out districts would be formed, and the administration left in the hands of local bodies, with an officer appointed to visit the sick. Mr Montgomery and Mr Green condemned the proposal. Colonel Trimble spoke in its favor, and others for. and against it having spoken, Mr Sheehan moved that the proposal was not satisfactory. Mr Shepherd moved the adjournment of the debate, which was agreed to. Tuesday’s Sitting. Replying to questions, the Ministry stated that they would accept the recommendation of the Committee on the Bankruptcy Bill. In reference to the National InsuranCS scheme, Major Atkinson said he could not accept the amendment of Mr Sheehan other than as a no-confidence motion, but as Mr'Sheehan had said it was not intended to be that, he would ask him to withdraw it. ' _

Mr Sheehan withdrew the motion, and the debate was adjourned until next Monday.