POLITICAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9833, 26 June 1914, Page 5

POLITICAL.

MR FIELD'S CANDIDATURE

On enquiry from Mr W. 11. Field the Levin Chronicle learnt that he has definitely decided to stand as a supporter of the Government on no confidence motions, but reserves to himself full inde|>eudence otherwise. His reasons for taking this course, which ho holds to be sufficient ones, will be disclosed to the electors in due course. FIRST DAY IN PARLIAMENT. (By Telegraph.) (FrOH OtJB PdTiUAMENTAB? REPOBTEB.) WELLINGTON, June 25. The first business of the House to-day was tho swearing-'n of Mr J. McCombs, the member for Lyttclton, who was elected the day after the closing of last session. Ilis sjK>nsors were Messrs J. Robertson (Otaki) and P. C. Webb (Grey), and when the usual declaration had been made he took his seat between these two members on the benches occupied by the small knot of Labour members. Mr J. Payne, the noisy member for Groy Lynn, has so far not put in an appearance, and he was granted leave of absenoe for a few days When petitions were called for Dr. Newman (Wellington East) was tho first to oaten tho Speaker's eye. After petitions a largo batch of notices of motion and questions were received, the Leader of the Opposition (Sir Joseph Ward) and Mr G. W. Russell (Avon) being to the fore with a large number of notices of questions and motions for returns, the former devoting himself principally to matters connected with tho finances of last year and the previous year. Mr H. Atmoro (Nelson), in giving notice *>f a question, read what amounted to a short speech, but on a point of order being raised by tho Prime Minister, he was ruled out of order. OPPOSITION ON THE WAR PATH. VARIOUS QUESTIONS. WELLINGTON, June 25. Evidence was afforded this afternoon as soon as the House assembled that tho Opposition are determined to make a sharp attack wherever possible upon the actions of the Public Service Commissioners. The right of appeal by civil servants against the Commissioners' decision was raifled by Mr Wilford, who gave notice to ask tho Government whether in view of the recent decision of tho Chief Justice it will clarify the Act so as to provide a free right of appeal in all cases. Mr Wilford also wishes full civic rights to bo given to all civil servants. Mr Russell also gavo notice to move for a return showing the number of officials who had ben dismissed for incompetency since the Commissioners took office, atici also tho total number of officials now in the servioe. As a means of

providing 1 further discussion Sir Joseph Ward ;?ave notice to introduce an amendment of the Act.

The Minister for Defence is being asked by Mr Young (Waikato) whether he will cause parades of senior cadets to bo held in ibe day time instead of at night, and whether the time devoted to such parades mav be counted as school attendance.

The same member is asking the Minister for Railways to take 6teps to insure that no railway servant shall work more than 48 hours in any one week. Sir Josceph Ward is asking that the House be supplied with further information in regard to the appointment of Captain Hall Thompson as naval adviser and the instructions issued to him regarding his duties.

An enquiry as to the date of the next soneral election was made this afternoon by Mr Sidev. "If you promise not to obstruct I'll eive you the date," said the Prime Minister laughing.

Mr E. Newman and the Hon D. Buddo have Itoeti granted a fortnight's leave of •ibtvnoo owing to their absence from the Dominion.