PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3219, 17 June 1909, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 16.LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tiie Legislative Council met at 3.30 p.m. The Attorney-General moved the second reading of the Public Revenues Bill. Hon. J. E. Jenkinson urged the importance of building a harbour and dock at Westport or Point Elizabeth capable of receiving a Dreadnought. It mattered not if it cost five or ten millions sterling, it would be a reproductive work.

Hon. G. Jones commended the Government on its proposal to settle the Native lands, and urged activity in the resumption of estates.

Hon. Wi Pere said that if'objection was raised to the Premier going Home on the score of expense he would give him £SOO or £I,OOO, and it would cost the country nothing. Hon. W. W. McCardle spoke as to the urgent necessity of settling the native lands.

Hons. and Loughnan approved of the action of the Govern--ment in ottering a Dreadnought. The Bill was read a second time and put trough its final stages. The Council then adjourned.

HOrtdE OF REPRESENTATIVES.] The House assembled at 10.3(1 a.m.

In reply to Mr Taylor, the Pre* mier said that the Government; would go into the question of granting old age pensions to people possessing homes without a reduction in the amount of the pension. , In answer to Mr W. T. Jennings, the Premier said that he would make full enquiries into the ques-* tion of provision for old soldiers, and would set up a permanent body to make recommendations, otherwise there would be no finality in the matter.

Mr Taylor asked, if in view of the amount set apart for an increase in rolling stock, the men dismissed from the Addtagton Workshops would be reinstated; nut- Sir Joseph Ward said that he could give no assurance beyond stating that if sufrkiant work offered they would be taken en again.

The Preminr moved the third reading of the Finance Bill. Mr W. F. Massey regretted the sttack by Sir Joseph Ward on the Wellington members. They could have raised an obstruction, aud diet not do so. The House resamed at 2.30 o'clock. Sir J. G. Ward said that objection had been made to tbe investment of £BOO,OOO of Savings Banks deposits in Home securities. He held that: this was a proper thing to do. Mr* Massey denied that the Opposition were in favour of increasing the rate of interest on advances to settlers by half per cent.

The Premier said that the member forTaranaki had advocated an increase of half per cent on advances to settlers.

Mr Okey explained that he had said it would be better for settlers to pay half per cent, more than be left without money. The Premier said that Mr Okey made that statement knowing the Department had advanced £1,790,000 during the last year. The Bill was.read a third time on the voices. ' Mr Massey moved,"That the House, being satisfied that the existing volunteer system has proved inadequate for the defence of the Dominion, is of opinion that it should be replaced by universal training for defence purposes." It would be a good thing, said Mr Masaey, if the Premier could tell the Conference that New Zealand was not only prepared to assist the Imperial Navy, but to defend ourselves. The Premier suggested that as he had already intimated the Government intended to submit proposals providing for defence, it would be better to allow the motion to pass without debate on the understanding that no one was bound by it. The defence system would have to be materially altered. He had already prepared two separate schemes. Mr Wilford asked Mr Massey if he would accept an amendment as follows :—After the word opinion read "that some system should be initiated by which the defence of the Dominion should be effectively carried out."

Mr Brown seconded--the amendment.

Mr Russell moved the adjournment of the debate till October 21st. This would, he said, leave the members free to discuss the proposals to be placed before the House by the Government.

Mr Taylor (Christchurch) supported the motion for the adjournment. On the motion for the adjournment being put it was carried by 44 to 29.

When the House resumed at 4.30 o'clock, the Speaker announced that the Council had passed the Finance Bill without amendment.The Premier then farewelled the House.

Mr Massey said he was confident that the Premier would represent the Dominion creditably. On the motion of the Premier the House adjourned till 2.30 p.m. o Frk'ay.