PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9620, 13 October 1909, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

(By Telegraph—Abridged from Press Association Report). WELLINGTON, October 12. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. , The Legislative Council met at 2.3 p.m. The Imprest Supply Bill from the House passed all its stages. The Hon. R. A. Loughnan (Wellington) moved the Address-in-Reply. He was not quite certain the timehad not arrived when a compulsory system of military training should be adopted in the Dominion. He felt sure the people would welcome compulsory training. (Voices: "No, no"). Hon. J. Barr (Canterbury) in seconding the motion, said that while he agreed that we should individually and collectively defend the Empire there were things nearer the people than the problematic defending of the Empire. On the question of unemployment his suggestion was that the question might be dealt with — (1) by labour exchanges, (2) scheme of insurances. (3) special Government and municipal woiks, and (4)labour colonies. The Council rose at 3.30 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. The Address*in-Reply was moved by Mr Smith (Rangitikeil. The finding of the Timber Commission was considered unfavourable by all those who desired to see the progress of the industry in the Dominion. It was a pleasing result of the Defence Conference; that New Zealand should have a squadron in its own waters manned by its own people The loan raised by the Premier was a clear proof that New Zealand had still the confidence of the Old World financiers.

Mr T. Buxton (Geraldine) seconded the motion. He favoured the leasehold system as a stepping-stone to the freehold, though personally he would as soon have the leasehold as freehold. He condemned the resolution of the Farmers' Union Conference that the Government should cease the further purchase of lands until all • Crown lands had been settled.

Mr W. F. Massey (Leader of the Opposition) said that he agreed with the mover of the Address-in-Replv that tne Timber Commission bad not treated the industry fairly. The report was not worth a tenth part of its cost to the country Mr Massay held that the recent financial depression was largely owing to local borrowing, and to legislation which caused large sums to be carried out of the country. Referring to the Governor's speech. Mr Massfy deplored the absence of any provision for local government legislation. The speech contained more soothing syrup than sound legislation proposals.' The House rose at 5.20 p.m.

EVENING SITTING

After the dinner adjournment Mr Mas3ey continued his speech on the Address-in-Reply, and dealt with the question of defence. He had not the slightest contention of making this a party question. He was sorry the subject of land defence had not received more attention. He believed New Zealand would eventually evolve a satisfactory scheme. It was a matter for congratulation that we had got through a period of depression without more hardship than had been experienced. He was afraid that when prosperity returned an era of squandering and waste would begin. He condemned the bringing of immigrants into the country at a time when there was no work for them and hoped this state of things would be remedied. The Hon. G. Fowlds ridiculed Mr Massey's statement that there was as much poverty in Wellington last winter as in Britain. It could not be denied that many loan officer had given up business in New Zealand, bit that was because the Government had lowered the rate of interest. Consequently capital had gone where it could get more remuneration. The uovernment's retrenchment scheme was justified. The ex penditure had grown to such an extent that at a tune when the revenue was falling off it was necessary to retrench. Mr F. M. B. Fisher (Wellington Central) twitted Mr Fowlds with sinking his views on the land question. He objected to his party being identified with the old Tories. Mr

Fowlds deserved credit for establishing some of the finest Socialist institutions that this or any other country could boast. The party on his side of the House rejoiced at the reforms being brought about in the Old Country by means of the Budget. A progressive policy of land settlement was required by the country. The Government was not going fast enough in that direction because it was afraid to formulate a land policy. Mr Fisher said that the only method by which satisfactory valuations could be sfcured was to impose a transfer tax on land transactions, and thus hinder speculation. The debate was adjo'imed and the House rose at 11.25 p.m.