POLITICAL NEWS AND NOTES.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 74, 24 September 1898, Page 5

POLITICAL NEWS AND NOTES.

VACCINATION. Among the matters discussed in the House yesterday afternoon was that of vaccination. In answer to a question, the Colonial Secretary said there appeared to be a growing feeling against vaccination, but the Government did not intend to do anything in the direction of amending the law this session. They would consider the matter, aud in the meantime would see that only pure vaccine was supplied for vaccinuj tiou purposes. Captain Russell expressed ,the hope that the Act making vaccination compulsory would not be repealed. On the otheqhand, Mr. Pirani submitted that the recent investigations in England told against compulsory vaooiusition. The Premier said the matter was of such importance that it warranted the fullest euquiry before anything was decided on. lie personally was iv favour of compulsory vaccination, but he was open to convictiou on the subject. NAVAL AND MILITARY SKTTLEBS COMMISSION. The cost to the colony of the Naval and Military Settlers Land Claims Commission, £1092 ss, was made up as follows: — Fees to Commissioner (Mr. J. C. M'Kerrow), £613 •As ; Secretary's and shorthand-writer's fees, £204 7s ; travelling expenses of Commissioner, £129 9s 4d ; ditto Secretary, £27 (is lid; material, £2 los. 1 ANOTHER FLATTERING- TESTIMONIAL. The bouquet craze which has recently been much in evidence among members of the House, whose admirers havo been almost literally showering blossoms upon them, has now reached the press gallery. Last evening the Parliamentary " specials " were the recipients of a magnificent arum lily bearing the following inscription " To the members of the Press Gallery from their greatest admirers — themselves." They are naturally very proud of this tribute to their industry and attention to duty. AFTER MANY YEARS. After a troubled existence of 17 long years the Ouehuuga Cemetery Bill has at last passed to the peaceful haven of the Statute Book. ' Tne Legislative Council performed the final act of grace yesterday. Members could hardly believe their ears when they heard the announcement, and Sir Maurice O'Rorke, who has faithfully fathered the Bill on the majority of its appearances before Parliament, seemed quite dazed at the uulooked-I'or event. THE LOAN BILL. The Government Loan Bill, or, as it is styled, the Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Acts Amendment Bill, was introduced in the House yesterday. It provides for raising a loan ot half a million, to ■be paid into the Public Works Fund. The money is to be expended as follows :— 1. Iv respect of raihv<iys, one sum of £175,000 to be used in the construction of the following lines : — Whangarei - Kamo Extension, Helensville Northward, Grahams-lown-Te Aroha, North Islaud Main Trunk, Eketahuna- Woodville, Blenheim-A watere, Midland, Otago Central, Heriot Extension, Seaward Bush, Forest tLill. 2. In respect of open railways — Additional rolling-stock, aud such other works and purposes as may be authorised, £200,000. 3. In respoct of faud settlement and goldfields development — The construction of roads, tracks, and bridges, and such other works and purposes as may be authorised, £125,000. GOVERNMENT CAUCUS. A caucus of 'the Government Party has been convened for 11 a.m. on Monday. Business important. JOTTINGS. Mr. Crowther considers the Old Age Pensions Bill a soheme for people who are in New Zealand and can't get out of it. " There is nothing that will kill the Bill more readily th in to make it cost too much." — The Premier's advice upon his Pensions 3ill, and this despite his election cry that ' money is no object." " The niajority of New Zealand seamen aie married men, and only receive £78 per year lo keep their wives and families on." — Mr. Millar in the House tout night, when churning special consideration for his seafaring friends.