NEWS AND NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 868, 14 July 1910, Page 6

NEWS AND NOTES.

OLD AGE PENSIONS SCHEME. WOMEN CAN'T GET PENSION AT 60. During a debate in the House yesterday the Prime Minister gave his reply to a request made to him a few days ago that, lie should consider whether it was possible to reduce the pension ago in the case of women from '65 to 60. Sir Joseph said that if the proposed chango were made it would cost more than it would bo possible for the country to undertake. At present there were 10,000 European females between the ages of, GO and Gf, and the present percentage of European pensioners to European population eligible by age was 32 per cent. With, that percentage maintained, if the proposal were agreed to, it. would mean that the number of pensioners would 1)0 increased by 3000, which would add to the cost of tho pension scheme by ,£BB,OOO per annum. So that it was apparent that if the alteration wero to be made, the Government would have to provide a special scheme of taxation for old ago pensions—which he would not approve. THE KNYVETT CASE, It has been resolved, in view of the provision made in the Defence Act Amendment Bill for a retrial of Captain Knyvett, to abandon the depuration which was to have waited on the Prime Minister to-day with reference to the matter. Mr. C. H. Poole had an interview with Sir Joseph Ward, who said ho did not see he could add anything to what was already made public if the deputation did wait on him. He would reserve further statements on the matter till the Departmental correspondence relating to tho case was laid on the table of the House, and at that time opportunity would be given for any representations to be made. PROPOSED NEW BILLS. In the House yesterday notice was given of intention to ask that the following Bills bo allowed to be introduced :— New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act 1803 Amendment Bill (ill. Fisher). Otaki County Bill (Mr. Luke). JOHNSONVILLE SCHOOL. Tho Johnsonvil'te School Reserve Bill, introduced by Mr. J. P. Luke, proposes to appoint John Kodd and F. T. Moore, of Johusouville, trustees of tho local school reserve, superseding the Town Board. The Town Board is empowered to borrow up to <£2SOU for the purpose of building on the reserve a town hall and municipal offices, and if the hoard thinks fit, dwelling-houses and shops. Tho board may occupy flit reserve for 35 years at a rental of 5 per cent., with right of renewal. GREATFORD RAILWAY. Petitions have been presented to Parliament by Messrs, Newman and Field, M.P.'s, for construction of a railway from Pukenui to Greatford or Marton. The petition is supported by the Manawatu County Council, Foxton Borough Council, Bulls Town Board, and Marlon Borough Council.