POLITICAL NOTES

Gisborne Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9573, 26 July 1923, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES

A MINISTERIAL RECORD

Seldom does a Alinister find himself in the happy position of being able to say ‘‘Yes” to everything lie is asked by a member, but’the ITon. J. G. Coates (Alinister of Public Works) created this record in the House of Representatives on Friday. He was requested by Air O’Brien (AVestland) to pay the Otira tunnel workers on 3rd August instead of tho next day, which is the date of the opening-cele-bration, and that they, he paid a full day on 4th August, and permitted to attend the opening functions. The Alinister expressed his pleasure at being able to say ‘‘Yes” to the three questions, and the House mildly applauded this unusual result of a demand on Alinisterial good-nature.

“FRIEND OF THE PARMER.” “I believe I have don© more to assist the farmer than any man in New Zealand,” declared the Prime Alinister in the House of Representatives last week. “That is no idle boast. It cannot he contradicted.” The Leader of the Opposition- (Mr T. AI. Wilford): “It- can ho contradicted.” Air Alassey': “It can’t.” Air H. Poland (Ohinemuri): “it can he, but it isn’t safe to do it.” (Laughter.) ‘ “I am glad the lion, member thinks so,” rep bed the Prime Alinister.

DENTAL TREATAIENT. FREE TO SCHOOL CHILD REX. Air J. A. Young (Waikato) .asked the Health Minister last week whether he ‘.would’ make' a clear statement of the policy of his department regarding the free treatment of dis-’ eased teeth in school children, and in that connection define the scope and extent of the dental work undertaken at the school clinics, and at the same time indicate the age limit up to which children shall be entitled to be treated free of cost to their parents. Sir M. Do mare (Minister for Health) replied: "The present policy of the department is that no fees are charged for the dental treatment of school children. As regards the scope of the work, the .Dental Division is concentrating its efforts on the primer classes with the object of following them up as far as possible throughout their school career. All surgical dental work necessary is undertaken with the exception of the root-filling of permanent teeth and the regulating of teeth.”

THE HON. D. H. GUTHRIE. MAY RE-ENTER PUBLIC LIFE v SHORTLY. It is reported that the Hon. D. H. Guthrie is making a good recovery from his illness, and that he may actively re-enter public life in a little while. TO DEFEND A BOARDINGHOUSE! WHO WOULD SHOULDER A RIFLE? "I am asked,” said Air A)'. A. Veiteh (Wanganui) in the course of Ins speech on the housing clauses of the State Advances Bill, ‘Who would shoulder a rifle to defend a boardinghouse? We would not fight to defend a boardinghouse - hut he is a poor sorb of man who would not shoulder a rifle to defend his home. Home life, however, is becoming a luxury in New Zealand, and not the property of the rank and file of the people.”

I AIM TG R AX' ION R ESTRICTION BILL. WELLINGTON, July 24. In the evening the House went into committee on the Immigration Restriction Amendment Bill. Air. Holland asked the Minister to make the measure apply to all British subjects so far as the oath of allegiance was concerned. lo this the Alinister agreed and the Bill was amended accordingly, and passed. The Insurance Companies Deposit Amendment Bill -and the Industrial and Provident Societies Amendment Bill were also passed unamended.

NOXIOUS WEEDS. The Noxious AA’eeds Amendment Bill was next taken and.provoked a spirited discussion, in which many arguments ventilated during the second reading debate were reiterated, the Minister contending, in reply, that the Bill was net weakening the attitude of the Crown, but, on the other hand, was greatly strengthening tiie position. Everything possible was being done to reduce weeds on Crown and Native lands and these precautions would not be relaxed in the future. At 12.45 a.m. the committee reached clause 2 on which a. division was called for, the clause being retained by 31 votes to 15. The remainder of the Bill was passed without alteration and on the Speaker resuming the chair all the Bills wore reported as unamended, were read a first time and passed and tire House rose at 1 a.m. till 2.30 on the following day.—-P.A.