Government Policy.

Lake County Press, Issue 697, 27 February 1896, Page 7

Government Policy.

The Times outlines the Government policy next session, as laid down by the Premier. Land is to be acquired for workmen’s villages close to large towns and workmen’s trains regularly run. Further land for settlement is required, and will be taken under the Act, if necessary. Ad vances to settlers only amount to half a million out of the million and a half borrowed, and the Government intend to overhaul the Department and put more vigor into it. Iu view of the strong expression of opinion at the Dunedin Medical Conference against consumption the law will be made as stringent against it as against small pox. Masters of ships will be made responsible. Legislation will also be directed towards conserving the purity of the race by excluding those of lower types and lower morality. A Bill on the subject of State Fire Insurance will be introduced and the Agent-General be instructed to obtain all information available about the working of the system in Switzerland. T^ e Legislative Council will again be asked to place clubs under regulation and national prohibition under control of local option, but no further change in the licensing law will be attempted. Exorbitant interest is still charged for loans and will receive further attention and r bill introduced for putting an end to distraint for rent. Ministers are also seriously considering the advisability of making provision for second ballots in certain cases at elections.