The session of 1900 was a fairly active one, thirty-four measures being passed. A short Act of far-reaching importance empowered the Government to enter into arrangements with the Governments of the United Kingdom, Canada, Victoria, New South Wales, and New Zealand, for laying a Pacific cable. By a short measure the Government were empowered to prohibit the exportation of arms or naval stores. A great consolidating and amending Health Act was passed; also a measure, in connection with the appointment of Dr. Maxwell, of Honolulu, for the establishment of sugar experiment stations. In this year the Railway Commissioner was reappointed for three years at a salary of L2,000 per annum, being an increase of L500. The Factories and Shops Act of 1896 was repealed, and a more comprehensive measure passed. An amending Defence Act was passed providing, among other things, for the military training of boys between twelve and eighteen years. An Act also became law providing for the inspection of grammar schools by a graduate of a British or Australian University. Another measure provided for the holding of the first Commonwealth elections, and for the temporary division of the State into nine electorates for the House of Representatives election. Several bills authorising the construction of railways to mineral fields by private companies evoked the bitter opposition of the Labour party. To force them through the popular House the Government were obliged to introduce an amendment of the Standing Orders, colloquially known as the "guillotine," and to closure the bills through the House. In the session of 1901 twenty-seven Acts were passed. The Chief Justice's salary, on the retirement of Sir S. W. Griffith to accept the Federal Chief Justiceship, was reduced to its former amount of L2,500 a year. The first legislation to eradicate the prickly pear took place in this year. The bill was introduced by a private member, Mr. Bell, who has always taken a keen interest in the destruction of this pest. It was based on the principle that close settlement is the only effective remedy, and offered inducements to settlers to select infested lands. The Public Service Act was so amended as to constitute the members of the Ministry for the time being the members of the board. A measure was passed requiring every life assurance company carrying on business in Queensland to hold L10,000 in Queensland securities, and otherwise protecting policy-holders. An Agricultural Bank Act was passed authorising the Government to advance to settlers on the land loans for carrying out improvements. An Animals Protection Act was also passed for the more effectual prevention of cruelty to animals. THE FOURTEENTH PARLIAMENT: 8th July, 1902-21st July, 1904.