POLITICAL NOTES.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17807, 5 July 1923, Page 8

POLITICAL NOTES.

Ckrisfcihtttca $«& - to a W,refl|||§ ard s# to wfest&wr $$ the contract f«r the C&riatehMch C«a«!3>ss Hereford *» fltriwn l3Hi made for &rmm lsg£tea» tfcer that was Site rnu»«B. had act bcea opg»&| The Hon. J. £. Ctarta* Pending tia <g for the lay cat of t&» phone exchange »wili*|si^|!^^^| bwMhfa« nan date in the butting «jsg tMSStOB necessarily the fiwilte (RSBHHj WB3 SWclaHy Ottftt9& tract for the emtioa «f The introdceUan of tig MmMmral graph printing s?p«a*ittlj!jj^^S Department's propel space, but the internal installation of electric WSTgEBHI are how being carried «& jffaHH early date the wnoie in use, but sustil tlw change is in worldbsg ary, 33 the Bep&«tßt«gis have two exchange*— one cuder eoagfrseiliaft, ?w|fllfra CtoristcatGta Wajtt am*"^4§Jfflß la replying to Mr tioa regarding t&<s tho Hob. C. J. Part several oeeasloas Canterbury Kueatioa ttf|ta||fflH| lion of rebuilding tie bet as it is not urgent esse oS its Ma&latflipllll fchurch, I cannot at tfc* say whan the work witt ww3lf§lP!M The Edaeatiett. Boast dertaka. Christt&KT«& the most orgeat ease fs» JPmwe Mr SttlliTaa ceafinaatios. of tfa». mhQH| Bic3stmoad Sa'kosl "lillll^l Jfltfisstttaw ESEU When explaining that Amendment Bill, ixhM Wflßw second time ia the to-day, Bir JSrM&efe »*3l <raߧ|l|f clear that the pawner «f jmH| General to appfcist a temporary «oka on tte Supreme ©mrt shortte. guarded and Braiws. not iaterfara is asjr •waJKamSmffil power fear Ska appoint s. t«ss«raflrjt |gto«Hi illneaa or almaew s$ * "NlliffaHi was a neseaaity fbtl 'SwßßtffliwMa with the Illness «r few*JMmmaHßl Jadge. Bat t>» for aay othtnr tsaspflsajf* s power which, tcstei gwft™ißwß eoQssistent wiUt 'tia Asc| If tha KB imneftlH jWf|fflß He is the p«w«ff ssf W add ta HM> wBIBmB sb4 tstepagsgf »(BhMHKm vfoalU be licdted ta fcaaßtv»]p|j|mM Are r e ,flii9&? ' I^^P The eomplaial thai overworked fcoad aat^Wß^Mi^^MH Legislative Cfeffiswai JudieatoTß Act sailer eoEsMej-afttt. '^f^^M ia Audcitmd, Sffl with rder«rseß ta feha a-ucther 'Sapwaws CMS waa giTsa to EaaawfeniHl laa& them *aa B^***' work, and Ib» haf l»c* Judgfi ia CtoiEtwlnnrii iQag h&ats si aagjfe* W the bsssiness. .& dli Xragislathra CsaiKil Jn4g*x tHuaAA ham t* Ha did n&& kEiW 1^»MBi«r > bad fe«ca 1 whether si»y iwAf The -i-irely with Mr aedtiV^i&'il^i uh cot. m» mmk timmßßßi entitles to say Saew that;. hoHiag 4M» &<aiSHiMi the ggpttrta»ft»i *t Hoaocrs at llm* £w* Court «i sawi at -aiM»{|BS| of the view Salqea. protrMom &M Mm ism* Wmßm ssriocsiy it waa si« 4 to the prnfmeaML - : fie SaeQi >' ' fhe Hoe, X mft *s£& South lalaatJ H»»s #M* nmniag two erpaftfrnsti fe^ra^^ Able present Lfcaeeißff 38ffi 2&fe Mr Slavey K<xm th»t it U SeMH a Idcensiag Bifi t&3« ing esHcs «f tfce geaaajeaiwWlHßgM the laecosisf €«wstept «f IsamigEaate ftsaaa In the Hooze Noswort&y stated th*t a* #«|B|BHb been issued by tfea 9fi preclade t&e mfsptiw, «* South and Weat IrelaMi 1» wjfflHffi io«, bat s««h msm foe a«sat«d mtaageiv IwsatiWi sraraeat of Sostltera. subscribes to th« prowaMWl Umpire A«t, Hew 808. '"&illi In the B'sssae IMS io»i?iiig Bills were LaS;yo4a?-«S BpM uot-Geaeral's mms&jgs-, sad 333fj|J|»|l time: —State Aduraaett As* meat, Janes 5 ' Act &attt&Hfe£§|9Hj Hon. C. J. Parr wM tth KlfflH ed mainly for isigfeer #»•■» W to jurymen); liß3oira.'i.eß OratgttMffflß l»sita Act, . lfta-sa Stamp and Other Xhstfcw meat, Death BuSie* Aft Harbours Act Ameadraeat, and Bsury PneS»tfi?|^| In conaeadsa with: Bill, the Minister «f that the mesasasft was the lines of th? BUI W w the SelecJ Cojaraitte* tot ***jj§f§KK alterations tsr«re asaiia la fMgjaifiß but they were miß«w «©ea. ■; posed that tfca Bilt shwM. second tim.B pro fonaa, to the A'grictritars! would taks ..«vsd«ae«f a*S pxoval of the B«se> ttett . would he prsEtftd. J ! 2!mH The Bill was read *. afteona referred to the Agriesl*B«d Jarte in Civil Cases. ; |^^| Provisioa for doabSsg able by iitiganU f«r |StSS«B proceedings is g contained ia Aet Ameadaieat Bill, vgUth dueed ia the- Hoasc of this evening by Jka 12, and 30s far a jmsy e? propofiek! to mafas and £3 r respectively. t&» eludes provision for ref«s4 fees ii* tfreu days' m&iud«r of the.BiU «£*ai* details ia •.•aaaosiva. t3kft

Belief Work in Canterbury. In reply to Mr Howard, tho Minister of Public Works stated that relief work had been arranged for on the Dyer's Pass road, to assist deserving rases of unemployed. Heavy flood ilamages on the Waiau-.Kaikoura and Kaikoura-Parnassus roads had also opened up fields for employment, while Still further labour was being employed on Double Hills road, Ashbur'ton County. Damage by Floods. Replying to a question by the Hon. P. Buddo about relief (o sufferers from floods, tho Prime Minister stated that the application forms distributed throughout the post offices in the districts affected by the recent floods showed that chattel securities would be accepted from applicants desirous of obtaining relief. Any sufferers from the effects of the recent floods might make application for assistance, and any kind of security from a promissory noto upwards if offered would receive full consideration. New regulations ■\vbn: not required. Distributors, Ltd. Replying to a question by Mr Aimore, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart stated: The Government has closely considered the position of the firm referred to as the "New Zealand Flourmillers' Trust," and it is fully aware of the conditions under which the firm operates. There is no indication that the action taken by this organisation is contrary to existing law. If necessary I propose to refer complaints received regarding the operations of this company to the Industries and Commerce Committee of tho House during the present session. To Mr de la Perrelle tho Minister Stated: The Government has been making close enquiries into the restriction on tho supply of particular brands of flour to bakers by Distributors, Ltd., and has ascertained that bakers generally have been notified by that company that if they indicate their probable requirements for the month on the Ist of each mouth, every endeavour will be made to supply particular brands. The matter is really ono for adjustment between the parties and millers—but should "trust" methods be resorted to by tho company in question, the Government will, on application by a responsible party, cause a full investigation j to bo made, and take such action as I the facts warrant. ] Alleged Censorship. Hoplyhig to a question by Mr D. G-. Sullivan about the censorship, the Hob. W. Downie Stowart stated: There Ja no censorship of private correspondence passing through tho post office in Mew Zealand. Mails from some of the pountries on tho continent of Europe (feontinue to arrive in New Zealand With correspondence which ha 3 been Wfcamined by military censors in the countries of origin. Possibly this has jnlsled the honourable gentleman, but he can be assured that the postal cen- i serahip was discontinued in Now Zealand in common with the rest of the British Empire soon after the formal declaration of peace, and the censorship staff was demobolised. Neither the Minister of Defence nor the Post-master-General has any knowledge of ja censorship at the prosent time. Tho censorship in wartime, which was controlled by the Defenco Department, ceased in August, 1919. SpaMinger Preparations. Eeplying to a question l>y Mr H. T. Armstrong, the Hon. C. J. Parr, 2ately Minister of Health, stated: For tho last two years the Department of Health has been endeavouring to obtain exact information respecting M. Spahlinger's preparations, both from the English Ministry of Health and the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London. Efforts have been

made from time to time to obtain supplies of the preparations for trial in the Dominion. Unfortunately, M. Spahlingor is apparently not in a position to supply any of his serum to the public,' and wiJl not be able to do so for at least two or three years. The Hon. Dr. W. E. Collins, M.L.C., who

ia at present in Europe,, has been commissioned by the Government to inTessigate fully and report upon M. methods. Upon receipt of his report, further consideration will be given to the question of obtaining the New Zoaland rights. So far as is known, no Government has as yet actually gone so far as to purchase the rightp for use in its country. Eecent press cablegrams show the' attitude of tho Commonwealth Government in this connexion. Attention is drawn to the cable message appearing in recent newspapers announcing that Professor Dreyer, of Oxford, is at present carrying out important researches into the treatment of tuberculosis. Until these researches have been completely investigated, it ttight be injudicious to conclude negotiations with M. Spahlinger. Both developments will bo carefully matched. Unseed. In answer to a question by Mr J. Bitchener, the Minister of Agriculture said: It i 3 considered that pending 1 the establishment of an export trade in linseed to the Home markets, information as to the Calcutta prices for delivery in Australia would be of greater value to New Zealand producers than English market quotations. Arrangements are accordingly being made to obtain from Sydney for, publication in the local Press at frecent intervals quotations for linseed for delivery in Australia.

Canterbury Members' Questions. Mr McCombs is to ask the Minister-s-Charge of the Pensions Department Whether he will make frcsli overtures to the Australian Commonwealth Government for the reciprocal arrangements in connexion with pensions.

Mr MeComl.B is to ask tho Minister--sn-Charge of the State Firo Insurance Office when the Government propose to two effect to the provisions of tho State Fire Insurance Act in respect to &6 division of the surplus profits *iong3t the policy-holders of tho State *w Insurance Department. ■'The Hon. D. Butldo wants the Government to assist local bodies to build Jeers' homes in the areas where jJOnjes were damaged by the recent "H* by giving them financial assistto build on the same basis as is FOposed for individual applicants. prance Companies' Deposits.

:!%' Insurance Companies' Deposits Bill, which was intro*ti «d in the House of Representative!* *Ms evening, provides that income dcnv%& from deposits made under the fMpal Aet shall be separately assessfor income-tax. The position is r at every British company p ro P osin ° ."commence any class ft ! Wratice business in New Zealand ; **»■ fir st deposit £50,000 with the ;■ J»«e Trustee, and every foreign ..*»«Wwv £IOO,OOO.

Subsidies to Social Organisations. Mr H. T. Armstrong has given notice to ask tho Prime Minister whether the Government will restore tho subsidies which have been -withdrawn from the Christchurch District Nursiag Association, the Society for the Protection of Women and Children, and other organisations of social workers who are performing such splendid service to society.

Death Duties Exemptions. Exemptions from gift duty, if a settlement is made in respect of the marriage of a daughter, is proposed in the Death Duties Act Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives this evening. The provision is made that the property settled must be actually transferred on or before the marriage. The term "daughter" includes a stepdaughter. Other exemptions from gift duty proposed are the creation of any charitable trust in New Zealand, or the gift of any property in aid of a charitable trust. Contributions by an employer to a fund established for providing retiring allowances or pensions for his employees or any class of them; payments by an employer to an employee who retires; and any gratuity or bonus to an employee during tho continuance of employment, in recognition of special or faithful services rendered; providing the Commissioner is satisfied that there are no ties of blood or marriage with any director of an incorporated privato company or member of an unincorporated firm, or individual.

Under similar conditions it is also proposed to exempt the discharge of any debt owing by a debtor to a creditor, and the discharge of any debt existing on February llth, 1922, when the Finance Act, 1921-22, commenced, secured by a mortgage or charge or being portion of purchase money payable under an agreement for sale and purchase of any land executed on or before that date, if the Commissioner is also satisfied that the discharge of the debt is granted with tho object of enabling the beneficiary to continue in possession of tho property affected, and not for the purpose of evading gift duty. The BiJl proposes that gifts for the education of a relative shall be exempt from duty.

The provision made in the principal Act for the accumulation of gifts by the same donor for the purpose of determining tho rate of duty on any gift is affected, there being a provision that exempted gifts will not come into the computation. Nothing shall be construed to exclude from the computation of the aggregate gifts the value of any gift upon which duty is not payable, because it does not exceed £IOOO. The principal Act is to be amended to provide that letters of administration shall not be issued before payment of tho necessary fees.

Daylight Saving. In the Houso of Eepresontatives today, Mr T. K. Sidey gave notice to ask the Government whether they will bring down legislation providing for a trial of daylight saving during next summer, on. the understanding that such legislation will not be re'enacted until after a comprehensive report has been obtained, showing how the proposal has affected the various sections of the community. Held-over Petitions. In the Houso to-day, on the Prime Minister's motion, it was resolved that petitions that wore not finally dealt with in the session of 1922, and the short session of February last, shall be referred to the same committees again. Sir William Traser.

In the Legislative Council to-day a fortnight's leave of absence was granted to the Hon. Sir "William Fraser, on account of illness. The Forestry School. In the House to-day the Hon. Sir E. Heaton Ehodes stated that the establishment of a School of Forestry had been deferred owing to the need of [economy in public expenditure; also to the fact that the location of the proposed school had not yet been decided. Union of Counties. Projected new legislation will have the effect of facilitating the union of counties whero such is desired, thereby saving considerable overhead expenditure, and leaving more of the rates available for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges. This [ decision arises out of deliberations [ that have been going on between countieu in Southern Hawke's Bay, whose desire to becomo united has been somewhat hampered by the possibility of a smaller subsidy being -paid by the Government consequent on tho union. : Under existing legislation subsidies are payable to county coune'ls, the ! maximum being £2500. If, therefore, a county was receiving the maximum and became united with another county or counties, no greater sum than £2iioo would be j>ayable to the united county. It is now proposed to introduce legislation providing that on the union of two or more adjoining counties, the same subsidy in the aggregate shall be payablo to tho united county as was payable to the several counties prior to the union. As difficulties have arisen in obtaining the necessary petitions for union in the past, it is proposed that authority be given in the new law for the Gover-nor-General to issue a prcolamation declaring that any two or more counties may be united to form one county under such name as he deems fit. Harbours Bill. The Harbours Bill, a consolidating and amending measure, has been introduced by the Minister of Marine, the Hon. G. J. Anderson. It contains 25S clauses and six schedules. The Bill brings the Act up-to-date. The amendments are those recommended by various conferences of the Harbour Boards' Associations, and arc not of vital importance beyond the fact that disquaii ficatiou in regard to the sale of goods, etc., is to apply to members as in the case of other local bodies. Apart from the amendments suggested by tho Boards, some minor amendments have been incorporated by the Department. The Bill as now placed before Parliament, has been scrutinised by the executive of the Harbour Board Conference, which lias expressed its satisfaction with it. It will go before a Select Committee of the House, and a special meeting of the Harbour Conference will be held to discuss it.