PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9160, 6 August 1908, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

(By Telegraph—Abridged from Press Association Report). HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON, August 5. The Hou.se met at 2.30 p.m. On the motion of the Premier, it was resolved that the House adjourn on Friday at 6.30 until Tuesday, 18th instant. Sir J. G. Ward, referring to the many applications'received to accompany the Parliamentary train to Auckland explained that it was absolutely impossible to accede to them in the present state of the line. Heavy engines could not be used, and extra passenger trains over the line were impossible. Ministers replied as follows to questions:—lt is doubtful whether a Municipal Corporations Bill will be introducted this session, and in any case such a Hill would be limited to pressing amendments; an amendment j of f;hs Fire Brigades Act, to give Boards.power to borrow for the purchase of additional ptoperty, is unuer consideration; it is intended to placo all casual railway employees, with continuous service of over five years, on the permanent staff. Some complaint having been voiced by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr W. F. Masse}) as to the administration' of St. Helens' Maternity Hospital, Auckland, in regard more especially to the treatment of indigent women, the Hon. G. Fowlds defended the Government's position in the matter, stating that it had never been asserted by the Government that these hospitals were to be used for indigent cases. The agitation -aised was purely political. The House adjourned at 5.30 o'clock. On the House resuming at 7.30 o'clock, the Committee's report on the Local Elections Act Amendment Bill was considered. Some dieenssion took place on the advisability of abolishing the optional system of voting in favour of making the crossing out system compulsory. The Prime Mi.iioter ueprecated the proposal, which whs lost on a divi sion. The Bill was read a third time and passed. In Committee on the Town Districts Act Amendment Bill, some objection was raised to the principle of the Bill by the Opposition members, in that it assimilated town districts to municipalities. The Prime Minister approved of the principle of the Bill. Considerable discussion followed, and several machinery amendments were introduced. 1 The Bill was reportel, with amendments. 1