GENERAL ITEMS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9137, 22 June 1895, Page 9

GENERAL ITEMS.

A statement from the Publio Trustee, showing the amount deposited in the Publio Trustee office by insurance companies in the colony, was laid upon the tablo of the House yesterday. There are only three companies, and the amounts are as follows :— Alliance Marine and General Assurance Company, Limited, London, £5000 in mortgage securities valued by the Public Trust Office at £4000, and a fixed deposit receipt on the Union Bank of Australia for £1000 ; the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company £7500 in mortgage securities valued by the Public Trust Office at, £3750, and £1200 worth of debentures of the Borough of Parnell valued at £1200; the Scottish Metropolitan Life Assurance Company £10,000 cash. The total amount of these deposits held by the Publio Trust Office is £20,000.

Sir Robert Stout yesterday wrote to the Minister for Lands tbat he would be quite willing to withdraw his H mes Security Bill, of which he has given notice, in favour of a Government measure which it was understood would be proposed.

The Juries Bill of Mr Collins provides for the adequate payment of all juries, including Coroners' juries.

Colonel Fox received a gratuity of £2000 from the Imperial Government on his retirement from the service last year.

Mr La wry's Gaming and Lotteries Act Amendment Bill proposes to legalise consultations so as to stop the outflow of money to tbe Australian sweeps.

Mr Wilson asked the Minister for Agriculture if he would procure an Evenden Lightning Butter Extractor, to ascertain if it is better than those in use in New Zealand. Mr M'Kenzie said he had instructed the chief dairy expert to report on the ohurn, and if that report was favourable one would be procured.

Mr Buchanan having asked if the Government had taken any steps to appoint a Bacteriologist in connection with the Stock Department, waa told by the Minister that the matter was having much consideration, but the expense seemed likely to be more than would be justifiable. The costly services cf a first-class man would have to be obtained, and he had set his face against great expense in connection with the Agri cultural Department. He would proceed slowly, and they might profit by the experience of the other colonies.