Political Notes.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 225, 30 September 1901, Page 4

Political Notes.

Ur Byrnes: When I lirst entered this House I was under the impression that the member for Kelson City was the only heaven-born Colonial Treasurer that wo had ; but after getting used to his venerable appearance, combined with his liberal and persuasive manner and power of eloquence, I have conic to the conclusion that lie does not understand finance.

lion. Mr Ormond: lam no alarmist, nor am I one who has any dread us to tho future ol' the colony. I have, however, sense enough to know that the condition of the colony at the present time is extremely critical, and that wo shall within the next twelve months, unless the market for our chief export—wool—changes, have very hard times for the workers.

Mr Syiuos: I would advise the Premier to create three or four more portfolios and dangle them like a bunch of carrots before honorable members. If ever I become Premier—and there is no knowingVhat may happen—l will always keep several portfolios vacant, and I will say, “ You must not play tho silly goat or you will not get one of those portfolios,” and thus I will keep these members in order.

Mr Carncross: We often hear it stated that some more encouragement ought to be given to the volunteers. The movement lias had some little life infused into it lately, but it is not going to continue so. There lias merely been a little lilip given to matters by the Transvaal wav, and when that dies out volunteering will sink back to the old groove. Now that the revival is on it is the time to make some little change to keep it lively.

Mr T. Mackenzie: Tho system of taxation that permits one person with a property of the extent of LIU,OOO, and an income of LJOO, to entirely 7 escape taxation, while it taxes another person—a widow —with only LGOOO, and an income of only LIIO, to the extent of Ll2 10s is surely an inequitable system of taxation, and one that should not get tho support of those who, wo are given to understand, are the liberal and intelligent members of this House,

Mr Bollard ; He (Mr Hascidcn) seems to mo to be a man who has the ring of true metal about him, and, by way of comparison, altogether different from some of the weak-kneed members who are on the Government side of this House. He, at all events, would have the moral courage to vote as he speaks, and not like some of tho members on the other side, who speak one way and vote another.

Mr Seddou: Bo long as they vote straight it is all right.

Major Steward : The farmers, pastoralists, ami agriculturists are the backbone of tiie country, and I do not think their interests have relatively 7 had the same amount of attention at the hands of this House as have the interests of those who are termed tho “ workers,” although that term is not properly restricted to artisans, for if there arc any workers in the country it is the agricultural farmers themselves. Consider, Sir, that the Labor party has had an exceedingly good innings.

Hr Bollard : Now, Sir, although the Government are spending millions for tho purpose of providing lands for farms, what have they done for workmen’s homes ? Mr Beddon: Not nearly enough. Mr Bollard : In my opinion the Government would do far better if they paid more attention to the working men and their families, who arc crowded into insanitary slums in the four large centres, than they can by 7 providing improved lands for farms.