PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9151, 25 July 1908, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES,

By Telegraph—Abridged from Press Association Report. WELLINGTON, July 24. The House met at 2.30 p.m The Premier stated that he had received a cablegram from Mr W. P. Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand, stating that he had accepted the position of Director of the London School of Economics, and would therefore have to resign his position as High Commissioner as from October next. In the circumstances it would be necessary for a successor to proceed to London to take up the position. The matter was important, and would require the Government's careful consideration. He proposed to make a statement, to the House on the matter before t:.e end of the sesion. The Financial Debate was resumed by the Hon. W. HalNJones, who u«jid that if the loading appropriations were to be completely spent the enJ of the financial year would have to be altered. He justified the system of co-operative works. It was a good policy to run some trains at a loss to develop the country aid help settlers. Though the cost of material and labour had gone up the charges, had gone down. It was the policy of the Govprnment when the interest earned exceeded 3 per cent, to make a further concession. Fares and freight charges were much lower here than in any of the Australasian colonies. Sir Jo=eph /Ward replied at 4... p.m., and thanked members for the way the Budget had been debated. . The Opposition asked for caution. He would show that the Government's policy had been one of caution. The borrowing of the Govern-, ment within the Dominion had been insignificant. What was the use of borrowing on the London market in view of the failure of the New South Wales loan in March last. The Liberal administration had spent more on roads than was ever spent before. He could not me confidential information, but he would tell them that there were people here, and had been for years who were always ready to invest in New Zealand stock in London when prices fell low enough. He justified the contention that the financial position was unassailable and complained bitteily of those who did all they could to decry the financial position of the country. The House went into Committee of Supply in connection with the Estimates and adjourned at 5.30 p m. The House resumed in Committee of Supply at 7.30 p.m. Mr W. Henie3 complained of the administration of p.ison camps, alleging that dangerous* criminals, were sent there, causing alarm anpV unrest amongst settlers. The Hon. J. McGJowan said prJgop camps had not been a failure, and dangerous criminals were not sent there. Only men cf good behfjYftijr were sent to these c£iftips. Mr W. F. Mas.sey said that tl e men at the camp? were not properly supervised at They went oft on burglaring expeditions with <ut being detected, - . The Hon. ■)> MeMdWaft' lePiieo* that no real unrebt exisiS«! Mr T. MacKenzie complained that the Government's officers did net supply enough information regarding the state of the London marketsFarmers were exploited through in- v formation being withheld. Mr F. E. Bfiurne urged the necessity for giving free railwpy travelling to children end ycung persons going to work. He also said hotelkeepers should be compelled to take children with their parents at reduced rates.

Mr W. P. Massey said that th.2re , was a good deal of unemployment in cities, and it was desirable to control immigration so as not to swell the ranks of the unemployed.

Mr E. Lewis referred to the deerth of labour in the country districts, and said that farmers could not get men. Farming immigrants should be encouraged.

The first item on the Estimates (Legislative* Council £2,095) —was passed, i>nd progress reported. The House rose at 11.48 p.m.