POLITICAL NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 307, 21 September 1908, Page 6

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE "CAC" CLAUSE. Twice on Friday did Mr. Rutherford, M.P., endeavour to read a paragraph from a South-' orn paper bearing on tho "gag" clause in the Second Ballot Bill. The paragraph contained a threat to ignore' the intentions of tho Act. The lion, member, however, Was on each occasion informed that the matter was extraneous to the debate, and referred to another Bili before the House., Mr. Rutherford, therefore, will have to preserve his clipping till another and more favourable occasion, when perhaps it will fit- in very nicely with the cause of thoso who oppose the "gag" clause. In this connection, it might bo remarked, that a similar clause which the Houso rejected from the Arbitration Bill on Friday night was allowed to fall under tho pruning-knife rather easily. The debate upon it took place late in tho evening, and feeling was strongly against the proposal. Tho Minister threw tho onus of retaining or rejecting tho clause upon tho members, and accepted the decision on the voices. Nevertheless, in view of the clause in tho Second Ballot Bill, the comparative case with which the advocates of press freedom won occasioned some surprise and some deep thinking. Thoso against the clause argued mostly on the lines that full publicity of facts and opinions during strikes was an assistance towards arriving at solutions of tho difficulties. ARBITRATION BILL. After a little further progress with the Arbitration Bill, the House will reach part 111, which deals with Conciliation. This is a vital portion of the Bill, and will, it is expected, claim a great amount of attention. Tho chief Labour members in the Houso generally approve of the principal proposals of the Minister. . Tho latter has expressed his willinguess to concede, one request, viz., that power bo given to increase the number of conciliation commissioners should it ba found nccessary. All things considered, tho .Bill should have a fairly rapid passago through Committee. On Friday, tho talking was left to a comparatively few- members. The House, however, was fairly full afternoon and night.

To-night Mr. W. F. Massey, Leader of the Opposition, will deliver an address at Paljn'jrstoi: North li if probablo. Mr. James Alien will accompany him aud supplement Mr. Massoy's remarks with a brief address, as at Pahiatua.

While a private interview between tho Minister for Railways and a number of members of Parliament regarding railway matters was in progress 011 Saturday, an over-, worn Southern member gently slumbered and slept. Thus, unobtrusively, he remained throughout tho interview. Towards the conclusion a speaker, having in his earnestness raised his voice a little, aroused the sleeper. "I think it very unfair of the last speaker to talk so loudly." said the Minister. "He might have had more consideration and not disturbed the hon. gentleman."

, Tho Labour speakers 'at Mercer Street on Saturday night took tho Arbitration Dill and its progress through the House as the chief thomo of thoir remarks. Mr. Poland (OJiinemuri) was hailed as a friend for his endeavour to amend Clause 5, which prescribes tho penalty for striking, and lighten tho burden to bo" borne by individuals. There were points in tho proposals which in all fairness it should bo said the speakers had failed to grasp. :