PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 25 July 1913, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (By TtUoraph—Presi Association.) WELLINGTON, Last Night. PREMIUM BONDS. The Premium Bands Validation Bill (Mr Harris) was read a, second time, profbrma. A motion to refer the natter to a special committee raised a .criticism from th® Opposition that the system of premium bonds was a pernicious swindle, and gamble than Tattersall's. «ipl Mr R. MoOallum moved an amendment that the Bill be referred to thePublic Accounts Committee. Mr Harris regretted that tie matter had been treated ,by the Opposition with such . bitter party feeling. He stated "that premiums bonds were held by many thousands' of people in New Zealand. As a matter of fact, there were over 8000 'holders of these bonds. They were not a gamble, but an absolutely gild-edged security. The Crown Prosecutor, in a case before the Supreme Court, had stated that the Grown could not contend thaft tlhe purchaser did not get value for hie money. A division on Mr McCalhim's amendment resulted in its rejection by 40 votes to 2L The committee was thereupon set up. DAYLIGHT SAVING. Mr T. K. Sidey moved the second reading of tha Definition of Time Bill (Daylight Saving). The Bill this year is modified, it being made applicable only during November, December and January. The Bill was supported by town members and opposed by country repreventatives. The House divided on the motion for the second reading, which was carried by 36 votes to 23. GAMING BILL. Mr T. M. Wilford moved tlie-sec-ond reading of the Gaming Act Amendment Bill, giving power to increase the number of totalisator permits. He made no explanation of the provisions of the Bill in introducing it. Tlie tone of tlhe debate was against an' increase in permits, but favoured a redistribution of totalisator licen-

At 11.30 p.m. the adjournment of the debate was moved by Mr Young. ■Mr Wilford protested that the motion was a Government attempt to gag the House from giving an expression of opinion on the Bill, because the Premier had promised to give the member for Waipawa an opportunity to introduce his amendment to the Gaming Act. The motion for adjournment was oarried on the voices, and th« House rose at 11.40.