PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9161, 7 August 1908, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

: ;By Telegraph—Abridged from Fstfr Jj liamentary Report. |; WELLINGTON, August 6. | The House met at 2.30 p.m. A general discussion ensued on a petition of Mr Edgecumbe, of Taranaki, an old soldier, praying for a land grant in recognition of his services. The question involved in the discussion was whether there were not many old in the Do - minion who deserved recognition fcr services in the field. It was suggested that another commission might be set up to enquire into the matter, the previous one? having proved abortive. It was asserted that :i great injustice existed! calling for redress. The following Bills were put through Committee:—Westport Harbour Board Loan Bill, Christchurch City Sanitation Empowering Bill. The Oamaru Town Hall Gasworks Bill and Recreation Reserves Bill was read a second time. The Oamaru Harbour Board Loan Bill was brought forward for the second reading, whicfo was agreed to. The Christchurch City Betterment Bill was read a sceond time. Mr A. S. Malcollm moved the second reading of the Tapanui County Bill. The House adjourned at 5.30 o'clock. The House resumed at 7,30 o'clock. After a protracted diacu-ssion on the second reading of the Tapanui County Bill was lost by 29 to 26 votes. On the motion for the third reading of the Town Boards Bill, Mr VV. P. Massey objected to the principle of the Bill, which aimed to give representation withoutt taxation. Mr J. T. M. Hornsby said that the Opposition was merely making a last stand for plural voting. Mr W. Herries said that he thought where the powers of borrowing we) e so limited only taxpayers should have the franchise. Mr H. G. Ell replied that the sys tem had been in torce in England for seventy years. The third reading was carried by 38 votes to 21 votes, and tlie Bill was passed. The Farriers (No. 2) Bill was read a third time on the voices ar.d passed. Mr J. Allen moved the second reading of the Counties Act, 1886, Amendment Bill. The Quackery Prevention Bill was committed. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill excited considerable discussion Some members argued that the Bill was not necessary, it being covered by the Police Offences Act. Others contended that the Bill met the real requirements. All agreed chat the Bill was badly drafted. The second reading was carried, ar.d the Bill was referred to the Stock Committee.