PARLIAMENT

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 7 November 1912, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

MOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (by Taegmph—tTUi A»»»™iti<m.) WELLINGTON, Last Night. "VANCOUVER CONFERENCE. Mr A. A. Myers asked the Premier if the Minister of Defence would be present at the proposed conference *t Vnnccravor, mentioned m the auomiug papers. The Hon W. F. Massey replied that it was impossible for him to state whether the Hon J. Allen cou d he present or not. Mr Allen would represent the Government on defence matters while in England, a« well as other matters. It was quito impossible for him to make public tno policy of the Government with regard to defence matters. SHOPS AND OFFICES BILL. The Chairman of the Labour Bills Committee reported that the CommittW! had recommended that the Shops and Offices Amendment Bill should ho allowed to proceed. Mr Ell urged that the House should proceed with the Bill this session. Mr L. M. I'sitt contended that the Premier would be responsible- for what happened if the Bill were not proceeded with this session. Some ton thousand people were affected by •the proposed Bill, and these would look to the Prime Minister for an •explanation. Mr Veitch appealed for consideration for the workers. Mr Russell spoke in a similar strain. He knew the Premier was in sympithy with the proposals, and bo should put them through. It- would ■only take half an hour. •:,- r - Mr Okey said the Committee had received telegrams from all over the country, asking for an opportunit.v to give evidence in regard,to the Bill. Mr Atmore declared*'that the Labour Bills Committee was practically, unanimous in favour of the Bill. Parliament shpuld stand for the principle thab every man and woman in New Zealand was entitled to one •dav's rest, a week. Mr Hindmarsh moved that the committal of the Bill should bo made the orfle'r, of tlte<&iy -for-5' p.m.-•-;; ;..■ , ' "The Hon F.'M. B. Fisher said he fraV introduced the Bill in 1907, and H had been brought in during every 'session- since; but it had'.been kept under by the previous Administration. The Hon J. A. Millar had described it as a piece of class legislation. The Prime Minister had given a pledge to allow the objectors sufficient time to give evidence, and that was a fair attitude. The Premier had promised /to have the Bill passed next year. He asked if there was s»y possibility of getting the Bill through tiiis session. The Hon W. F. .Massey denied that he had ever given a pledge to p.ias tue Bill this year. Ho had suggested to a deputation his doubt that he would bo able to deal with it in .any way this session. The Bill included pnvac© hotels and boarding-houses. Nest session ho would bring down a comprehensive .Shops and Offices BiJI, ond full provision would be made lor the taking of evidence. Sir Joseph. Ward said that as Mr Massey had given a pledge about the hearing of evidence, it would only be honourable for the House to keep his promise.'' The question' was eventually talked out.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Legislative Council met at, 'J,JiO p.m. LAND AGENTS BILL. The Land Agents Bill was put through committee, with a new clause, proposed by the Minister, that tt land agent should not bo entitled to recover his commission under the Bill unless (1) He was the holder of a license.; ,or (2) his engagement in' the sale or disposition of land was in the writing of the person to bo charged with such commission. It .was further provided, that the Bill'come into operation oh j January'lst, 1913. The Bill was passed. OTHER MEASURES. The, Council did not insist on its amendments to tlio Taieri Land Drainage Bill. The following Bills were passed:— Shearers and Agricultural Accommodation Amendment ,v-Wostport Harbour Amendment; Education Amendment; Opunake Harbour Amendment. In committee on the Plumbers Re- . gistration Bill, the Minister inserted an amendment in clause 22; to permit inspectors who _ were • not registered, '"or' ' the ' 'hold-' '<• •ftrjr' of a RoyaT 'Sanitary Institute certificate, or employed by ;. Jocal, bodies to renin in in such employment .after tho ■expiration of one year from.the date of the passing of. . jtlte Bill.