POLITICAL NOTES.

SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS BILL. Tho New Zealand Society of Musicians Bill, which was brought down last session by Mr. Sidey, has again been introduced. It provides for the registration of every person wlio is a professional member of any of ilie societies of musicians; every person who satisfied a proposed council hoih that ho has been engaged in composing, teaching or performing music for live years precedhi"; the coming into force of the Act and that h<: if competent; every person of the. age of -1 or upwards who possesses a degree, diploma, certificate, license, or other proof that he has passed an examination recognised by the council; evpry person of that age who possesses a degree or certificate in music of the University of New Zealand, and every person of that ago who possesses proof of proficiency in music recognised by the University of New Zealand. The first council which shall consist of members of the various registered societies of music shall be constituted within six weeks of the passing of the Act. Should any person feel aggrieved at the council not placing his name on the register ho may, within three months, apply to he examined for membership or apply to a magistrate who may deal with the matter. The funds of the society may ho used, inter alia, to provide a library for the use of members to publish any newspaper or magazine in the interests of music, for acquiring or erecting premises to grant prizes for scholarships at any school or university, or to offer prizes to be competed for by members of any society of students of music; and towards a members' benevolent fund.

SILTING COMMISSION.

The report of tho Ohinemuri Silting Commission has been presented to the Governor, but it is not yet known when it will be published.

CANTERBURY PASTORAL LEASES.

A deputation waited upon Sir Joseph Ward (Minister for Lands) on Friday regarding the closer settlement and tenure of the Canterbury runs. Mr. Forbes, M.P., who introduced tho deputation, urged that the reports of the two commissions appointed to inquire into tho subject should be presented to Parliament as soon as possible.

Some members of tho deputation expressed tho opinion that it uould be desirable to offer tho leases under a title that would givo a better security of tenure than at present. The tenant should have tho right of continuing his lease at a rent based upon a new valuation. Sucli a tenure would tend to improvement of the properties.

Sir Joseph Ward said ho was in favour of subdividing the ruus. Tho reports of the commissions would be submitted to Parliament oil Tuesday. He intended to pay a visit of inspection to tho country during the present session. Ho did not think the runs should bo used for speculative purposes, and the Government would submit legislation to prevent abuses connecteci with, runs and Crown lands generally.

WHAT MEMBERS WANT TO KNOW. Mr. Hanan is to ask the Prime Minister whether ho will take the necessary steps to establish a silver mint in New Zealand. Mr. Guthrie intends to ask the Post-master-Goneral whether lie will plnco on the Estimates this session n vote for the erection of a post oliice at liangiwahia. Mr. Hanan wishes to ask the Minister .for Labour whether he will introduce legislation this session providing that goods or articles manufactured in Now Zealand be labelled or branded "Made in New Zealand."

Mr. Dive, is asking the Government whether it is their intention to bring in a Railways Authorisation Bill this session; and, if so, will it include Onunake branch lino?

Mr. Guthrie. will ask the Minister for Railways whether he will take into consideration tho advisability of erecting a verandah at the Halcombe railway station, also, if ho will grant the request of the residents for an extension of the platform at that station.

Mr. Hanan desires to ask the Minister for Justice whether he will introduce a Poor Prisoners' Defence Bill on the lines of the Poor Prisoners Act (3 Ed. Vll, cap. 38), in force in England, and a similar enacl.meut in forou in Now South Wales.

Mr. Newman is to ask tho Government whether, in order to encourage settlers with bush land to leave reserves of standing bush for scenic purposes, or for the retention of moisture, they will legislate in order that such reservations, if approved by the Department, shall be regarded as improvements under tho Land and Income Tax Act, and that equitable compensation shail be allowed for such reservations. .

Mr. Field wishes to know from the Postmaster-General when it is proposed to proceed with tho erection, of the much-needed and long-looked-for post office and postmaster's residence at Shannon, the money for which was provided by Parliament somo time ago.

Mr. Massoy has given notice that ho intends to move: —That there be laid bufore tli is Rouse a return showing:— (1) The amounts paid in the way of law costs to solicitors who have transacted legal work for the Labour Department, tho Agricultural Department, the Lands for Settlement Depiirtment, and the Lands PurchaseBoard during thfi years ended tho 31st March. 1904, the 31st March, 1905, the 31st March, 1906, the 31st March, 1907, tho 31st March, 1908, the 31st March, 1909, and tho Slst March, 1910; (2) the names of the various solicitors who have received fees; and (3) the total sum received by each legal practitioner in each of the abovementioned years.

Mr. Buick has given notice to ask the Minister foi Agriculture whether any reasons exist calculated to obviate tho necessity of giving effect to the Prime Minister's promise made at Palmerstou North prior to the last general election, to tho effoct that a dairy school would be established at Palmerston North, and if such reasons exist will the Minister kindly state what they are.

Mr. Guthrie is asking the Minister for Lands when it is intended to open up for selection the block of Crown land near llangiwahia, Kiwitea County. Application for the opening-up of this block has been repeatedly submitted (Mr. Guthrie states); tho block has been favourably reported on by the Crown Lands Banger, and yet tho matter has not been proceeded with.

Mr. Guthrie is also asking the Prime Minister whether the Government, in filling the vacancies in the Legislative Council, will consider tho claims of,the West Coast of tho North Island to representation.

Mr. Tinchnnnn has given notice to ask the Minister for Agriculture whether he will take- steps to destroy the numerous rabbits on Crown lands to the west of Masterton, which are continually invading tho farms of the settlers, and so causing serinus lo=s. 'flip settlers, it is stated, have been compelled to purchase and erect Inrge quantities of rabbit wire netting at heavy cost to protect their lands from invasion by rabbits from Crown lands and reserves.