HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1599, 4 July 1903, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

YESTERDAY. The House met at 2.30. UNDESIRABLE IMMIGRANTS. Mr Hogg gave notice to ask whether the Government proposed to introduce a Bill to' preveut New Zealand being flooded with undesirable immigrants from Australia. FIEST READINGS. The Weights and Measuieß Amendment and Consolidation Bill and the Road and Town Districts Rating Bill were introduced by Governor's message and read a first time. The Counties Act Amendment Bill was also introduced by Governor's message and read a first time. In reply to Mr Herries, Mr Seddon said the bill was for the purpose of giving local bodies larger rating powers. Mr Massey asked whether the Government could include a provision in this Bill to give a graduated system of subsidies in regret to local bodies rates. Mr tieddon promised to look into the matter. The following Bills were read a first time :—Palmerstou North High School (Mr Wood), Juries Act Amendment ( vi r McNab), Electoral Act Amendment (Mr McNab), Absoluts Majority (Mr McNab), Law Practitioners Acts Amendment (Mr BaumeJ. LEAVE OF ABSSNCE. Leave of absence was granted to Mr H<ike for a fortnight on urgent business. SESSIONAL COMMITTEES. The remainder of the afteroooß was occupied in setting up sessional committees. The debate on the Address-in-Reply was resumed by Mr Bedford, who wa6 followed t>y Mr Taylor. Both condemned the present constitution of the Ministry. Mr Taylor urged reform in the lunatic asylums of the colony. Mr Hall-Jor.es said that further improvement would be effected in that direction. Mr Kaihau having spoken in support of Mabuta's call to the Legislative Council, the debate was adjourned. The House rose at 11.15 p.m.