PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9659, 25 November 1909, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By Telegraph—Pres? Association. WELLINGTON, November 24. The Legislative Council met this afternoon after a fortnights adjourn* ment. The Wanganui Roman Catholic Bill and the Roman Catholic Archbishop Empowering Bill were read a second time. The New Zealand Society of Accountants Bill, to enable persons whose applications for registration during the past year had not been granted by the Board to apply to the Council for registration was read a second time. The Magistrate's Court amendment Bill, requiring three days* notice of intention to defend an action and also setting aaide the full detailed statement of the claim in favour of a short statement in actions for goods sold and delivered,was read a second time.

HOUSK OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House in the afternoon Ministers replying to questions;stated that the Government will consider the advisability of introducing legislation abolishing grand juries;, that a Bill amending the Libel Act wfth a view to giving the press the; same immunity from prosecution as is en« joye'd by the press of Britain,, had betfh prepared; that the eatabliah • ment of a complete system of medical and dental inspection, tor school children is being seriously considered with a view to seeing what can be done; that as the accuracy of the agricultural statistics obtained undeir the" old methods has been frequently questioned, the Government has decided to adopt a new system which' will be less costly and more satisfac-

tor'. The Wellington Harbour Boatd Sill was read a second time. Mr T. E. Tavlor (Christchurch North) in moving the first reading of. the Governor's Salary Allowances Reduction Bill, said that the emoluments of the Governor were out of all proportion to the work done, and' would maintain seventy working class families in comfort. He dtsired' to s e the salary cut down to wbac. it had been previous to the ii.creas >. during the period of prosperity in 1900.

Sir J. G. Ward said that while anxiou3 to economise he could not agree with Mr Taylor's remarks. S'» long as it was considered nee ssary to have a representative of the Kit g in the Dominion the positiaa should be adequately supported.

The Bill waa read a first time. The Grand Juries Abolition Bill was read a first time. The House rose at 5.30.

In the House in the evening the Premier made a statement in connection with„the enquiry by, two Judges of the Supreme Court into charges laid by officers of the Land and In< come Tax Department against Mr Heyes, Commissioner of Taxes, whose integrity and administration were impugned. In letters addressed to the Premier, dated November Ist and 4th, these contained a statement as to the assessment of the writers incomes and other business, but as the letters could not be made public, the Government had asked two Judges to act as a commission to investigate and report on the charges. The report to Ihe latter received om the 18th inst, but owing to the ill--ness of two Ministers, it could not be dealt with by Cabinet until Tuesday. It was impossible under the law to publish the evidence or report as they contained references to taxpayers and their business. He would 1 state, however, that the Commis» sioners had absolved Mr Heyes from any sinister design or dishonest purpose. His administration was carried out with much ability. The: evidence showed considerable friction between Mr Heyes and several of his subordinates. There was also, considerable doubt as to his prudence, in exercising his discretion in connection with the assessment, and collection of taxes. The latter charge* woulJ bd tested shortiy by the Ct\>wn law officers. Meanwhile the Govern-, ment had decided to suspend Mi> Heyes for three months, and Mr Richardson, of the Government Lifoi; Office woulJ take his position from, Monday next, in addition to his own* duties. This would enable any iitiV gation which might be found aary to proceed under an indepenaent tribunal. The Premier indicatodith t, a probable change would be madf in the direction of appointing a board to assist the Commissioner of: Taxes. to carry out his duties.