PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 251, 20 October 1904, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day TEE UNEMPLOYED. .

Answering Mr Witheford*s question as to whether the Government would relieve the unemployed difficulty in the South by putting men on the work of constructing the Auckland-Manukau canal, the Minister for Public Works states that he does not intend to follow out the suggestion. He is of opinion that the unemployed trouble at present existing is only of a temporary nature, and, the winter being practically over, .this present surplus labour will soon be absorbed in the ordinaly labour market. WHARF AT HUIA. According to reply given to Mr Bollard to-day, there is little chance for a vote appearing on the Estimates for the Quia Wharf at the Manukau, the Minis- ' cr for Public Works promising to conider the matter, but saying that in . iew of the many urgent works for which provision will have to be made, no promise could be given. ACCOMMODATION AT ROTORUA. The Minister in charge of the tourist resorts does not intend to increase the free accommodation for indigent sufferers at Rotorua until the new hath house has been completed. Last; year free patients cost the colony £747, four beds being provided in summer and six in winter. THE TOTALISATOR. The police have been instructed to inquire as to whether the advertisements of the Wellington Racing Club stating that totalisaor investments would be received by telegram violates the law, and if so action will be taken. If the law allows such advertisements to appear an amending bill will be submitted to Parliament. EDUCATION IN THE BACKBLOCKS. The question of making better provision for the education of children in baekblocks was brought before the House yesterday afternoon by Mr Massey, who said that the manner in which some children were educationally neglected was not creditable to the Department. He instanced the condition of affairs at Mercury Bay and Port Waikato. The Minister for Education said the establishment of small schools for ten or twelve pupils was a permanent injury to the education of the children attending such schools. It would be better to provide, for the carriage of children to larger schools. It might cost more money, but it would he better to convey the children at double the cost to central schools, where there were well qualified teachers. He intended to discourage the erection of small schools. JOTTINGS. Mr Withford is to ask the Government whether they will take steps to establish a foundry at Newmarket workshops, similar to those at Petone. Addington, and Dimedin, with a view to the upkeep of railway rolling stock, and prevent the necessity for such work being sent out of the province as heretofore. j The question of providing a subsidy of .£ISOO for the improvement of the Arch Hill-road is being considered by .Cabinet. J

The Minister for Mines estimates that the annual loss if a branch of the Royal Mint were established in New Zealand would be £20.000 on the present gold output.

Mr Jas. Allen suggests that the documents dealing with Cape Colony in the Grey collection in the Auckland Library should be exchanged for documents relating to New Zealand, in possession of the Cape Government.