PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9647, 12 November 1909, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 11. * LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Legislative Cumini met this afternoon, when the McLean Institute Bill and thj Roman Catholic Bishop of Aucklaad Bill were read a third time and passed. The Council adjourned until Wednesday the 24th inst.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House this afternoon the following local Bills were read a third time and passed:—Wellington Water Supply Loan Moneys Diversion, Waimaria County, New Plymouth Recieation and Racecourse Reserve Exchange, Borough of South Dunedin Empowering Amendment* Auckland and Suburban Drainage Amendment, Timaru Borough Loans Consolidation and Ellesmere Domain Board Empowering.

On the motion to commit the Marriage Act Amendment Bill. (Sir W. J. Steward), providing for marriage between the deceased wife's niece and the deceased husband's nephew, the Hon. J. A. Millar opposed the billon the grou id that it came dangerously hear allowing marriage between blood relations and opened the door to bigamy. Subsection 2 required to be entirely redrafted.

Sir William Steward said that he: would.be the last person in the world to sanction the marriage of blood

relations. The Hon. Mr Millar said that the Bill practically meant validating certain marriages which were performed since the passing of the Act of 1896, and which under the existing Jaw

were invalid. Sir William Steward said it was contrary to public policy to prevent marriage between persons except on the ground of consanquinity. .At present a man could marry his deceased wife's sister, but not his deceased wife's sister's daughter. The latter may be the most suitable person.

The Hon. Mr Millar moved as an amendment that the words "but be* fore the passing of this Act" be inserted between tbe words"pai ties'* and "lawfully" in sub-section 2. The amendment was carrie-1 by 38 to 17. On the motion that the Bill be s>> t down for consideration on uxt sitting day Mr J F. Arnold (Du< edm Central) moved that the Bill be recommitted with a view ti rec ■ - sidering the amendment to clause 2, which was agreed to by 31 to 26. On going into Committee again Sir William Steward move! that Mr Millar's amendment b3 struck out.

On the motion being put it was lost by 38 to 13. The House rose at 5.30 o'clock.

In the House in the evening the Maniage Act Amendment Bill was reported with amendments. The House then went into Committee on the New Zealand Society of Musicians Bill.