POLITICAL NOTES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 139, 18 July 1914, Page 12

POLITICAL NOTES.

[Prom our own Parliamentary Beporter.]

WELLINGTON, July 18. "NAKED AND UNASHAMED." During the discussion on the Land Tax and Income Tax Bill this afternoon, Mr G. W. Russell referred to the Government as the "greatest lot of pledge-breakers who had ever sat on the Treasury benches." Referring particularly to the Minister of Finance, he said that Mr Allen should look ashamed •even if it were for the first time in his life. (Laughter.) "It is my very unpleasant duty,'' Mr Russell continued, to confront him with this spectre (the alleged unfulfilled - promise to reduce taxation), which will probably sit on his chest in the dark hours of the night. The hon. gentleman has broken his promise to Mr Speaker: The hon. member is out of order in saying that another hon. member has proken his promises. Mr Russell: Very well, sir; but I was referring to the Ministry in general, and not to the lion, gentleman personally. Meanwhile the Whips of the party and the supporters of the hon. gentleman 'a party guffaw while Mr Allen sits naked aud unashamed. (Loud cries of "Oh! " and hearty laughter). AN ANGRT? MINISTER.

The Hon. A. L. Herdman was a victim of the rules of procedure this afternoon, and he was very angry in consequence. He is in charge of the Motor Bill, which was introduced by Governor's Message, and he accordingly explained the provisions of the measure. Th is, of course, resulted in a discussion, in which certain provisions of the Bill were rather hotly attacked by certain members of the Opposition. When they had finished, Mr Herdman rose to reply, but lie was ruled out by Mr Speaker, who stated that at that stage a Minister had no right of reply. Exactly the same thing happened to his colleague, Mr Allen, on the previous evening. Mr Herdman did not seem to be overpleased at being robbed of the opportunity of at once refuting the allegations of his critics, and as soon as the motion "That the Bill be read a first time" was put, he again rose to his feet. "There can be no discussion at this stage,'' said Mr Speaker. Mr Herdman did not conceal his disappointment, and the Speaker consoled him with the remark that "The Hon. the AttorneyGeneral will have the opportunity of addressing the House at a later stage." PRESBYTERIAN PROPERTY. The second feading of the Presbyterian Church Property Amendment Bill (Mr G. M. Thomson) was carried on the voices in the House this afternoon. The measure seeks to correct an omission from the'principal Act, in order to give power to, the church trustees to acquire by gift or otherwise property for general purposes. THE GOVERNMENT STEAMERS.

Mr C. E. Statham (Dunedin Central) is asking the Minister of Marine if, when the Government steamers were being replaced by more up-to-date vessels, he would give an opportunity to shipbuilding firms in the Dominion to tender for the work. POLICEMEN'S HOMES.

Mr" A. M. Myers (Auckland East), asked the Minister of Justice to-day whether he would give effect to the recommendation of the Commissioner of Police to provide homes for policemen on the workers' homes principle. EDUCATION QUESTIONS.

The Minister of Education yesterday received a deputation from the Nelson Education Board, consisting, of Mr W. Loc-k (chairman) and Mr Scantlebury, accompanied by Mr H. Atmore, M.P. It was represented that the. capitation of 6d allowed for payment of relieving teachers was not sufficient, and the Nelson Board, being £6OO in arrears, could not pay salaries to teachers when they were sick. The request was made that the instruction given in engineering classes at Westport should count towards the five years' course necessary to obtain marine engineers' certificates. The Hon. J. Allen, in reply, explained that it was never intended that the capitation allowance of 6d should cover the whole of the cost of relieving teachers. Under the provisions of the new Bill each board would have about £IOOO a year more money available. As to the recognition of ~ instruction at the Westport engineering classes, he would consult with the Minister of Marine. THE EDUCATION BILL.

When the House met to-day, the Minister of Education (Hon. James Allen) was bombarded, with questions relating to the proposal in the Education Bill to reduce the number of education districts from thirteen to nine. Mr Craigie objected on behalf of South Canterbury, Mr Seddon for Westland, ]V£r Webb for Grey, and so on. Mr MeCallum appealed for Marlborough, saying that lib', people would object to being merged into Nelson.

Mr H. Atmore: A very proj>er thing. (Laughter). Mr Massey: Would you object to Nelson being absorbed into Marlborough? Mr MeCallum: Not at all. (Laughter). Sir Joseph Ward suggested that evidence should be taken on the proposed reduction, which was a most important change.

The Hon. James Allen said he had expected a great deal of difference of opinion regarding the reduction of the number of education districts. He had not been concerned, in drafting the Bill, over the claims of any particular district, but he had the principle before him that the education districts might be reduced.- Regarding the taking of evidence, he thought that the Education Committee could select sufficient evidence without calling upon people from all parts of the Dominion to come to Wellington to air their grievances. (Hear, hear).