WANTED TO KNOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8916, 3 December 1887, Page 5

WANTED TO KNOW.

ENQUIRING MEMBERS.

QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE.

[by telegraph.—PßESS association.! j Wellington, Friday. Among the: questions asked in the House of Representatives this afternoon were the following :— RAILWAY WOBK. Mr. Fisn asked the Ministor for Pablio Works if he has perused the return laid before this House showing the value of work performed in tho Government railway workshops for the two years ending Ist March, 1837 ? If he will explain the reason for such apparent unfairness in distribution of works in various districts, and will he undertake that in future there shall be fairer distribution of such works to the various districts Mr. MrroHKLaoN said from inquiries he had made ho found that the reason such a large amount of work had been performed at the Addington workshops was because it consisted of carriages and waggons, and that the machinery at those shops was better fitted for that olass of work than at other places. He thought, however, it was a great mistake to expend such a large amount of money in any one district if the work could be performed as well in others, and in future he should give instructions that the work for eaoh provincial district should be executed in its own workshops. THE UNEMPLOYED. Mr. Goldik asked tho Minister for Public Works whether there were any unemployed at present engaged on relief works; if there are, how many, and what districts are suoh persons employed in ? Mr. Mitciielson said there were 380 men, but not all on relief works. Some were on useful works. CHINESE AND IMMORALITY. Mr. Seddon asked the Government whether they will cause inquiries to be made as to the truth or otherwise of the rumour that largo numbers of young girls are in the habit of frequenting for immoral purposes the Chinese quarters in Wellington and other large cities in the colony ; (2) will the Government cause on inquiry to be made into the sanitary condition of the Chinese quarters in Wellington and other large cities in the colony; (3) will the Government take precautionary measures to have a strict supervision kept over all vessels arriving at the various porta in the colony which have on board Chinese sailors or passengers with the view of preventing am evasion of the Chinese immigrants Aot, 1881. Mr. Fergus said he had made inquiries into the subject, and found that the number of girls was not so largo as the question led one to believe. The police had no power to interfere, however, unless the parents or guardians of the girls laid a complaint. As to the second part of the question, it was a matter for the municipal authorities to consider, but the Government would give instructions on it. As to the third part of the question, every precaution was taken to prevent an infringement of the Act. AUDIT OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS. Mr. O'Conor asked the Premier whether the Government will, during the recess, inquire into the efficiency of the audit system as now established in regard to accounts of local governing bodies, with the viow to making the audit more e.ffioient in preventing illegal expenditure ? Major Atkinson said he had a Bill prepared to deal with the question ; bat he was afraid he could not introduce it this session. THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. Mr, Sbddon asked when the Pablio Works Statement would be brought down. Major Atkinson replied that it would depend on the facilities given by tho hon. gentlemen opposite for transacting business. Mr. Skddon asked whether that would be before Christmas ? Major Atkinson said he hoped so. [by telegraph.—special correspondent.] Wellington, Friday. In reply to Mr. R. Thompson, who asked if it was the intention of the Minister of Publio Works to make provision for road works north of Auokland, in districts whore

there are no railways, _ Mr. Mitchklson said ho had no intention* of putting any sum on the .Estimates for roads north of Auckland.

This is a poor ending to the claim of the North Auckland counties for £50,000, and will be disappointing to a large section of the Auckland province whioh has derived little or no benefit from the railway system. STEAM Ttro ON KAIPARA WATJJKS. Mr. Monk in asking the Government whether, in the interests of economy, they will arrange for the steam tugboat at Kaipara to do the work which is now required to be done by the Government launoh, and to dispense with her. UNION COMPANY, WAIIU, In reply to Mr. Seddon, who asked why the law as to the furnishing and publishing the half-yearly statements by mining companies in the Auckland mining district has not been complied with, and more particularly the Union Company, Waihi? The Minister of Mines replied that the provisions of the law had been neglected by the Union Company, and the Mining Inspector at Te Aroha had been instructed to enforce the law.

Mr. Seddon, in explanation of his conduct, said he had been requested to move in the matter by shareholders of the Union Company in Wellington. He thought it was desirable in the interests of mining enterprise that the company should be compelled to publish the nbcessary returns for the information of shareholders. LIGHT DUES ON WHALING SHIPS. It is stated that whale ships have been deterred from visiting the Bay of Islands through the heavy charges for light duos, and in consequence Mr. Hobbs asked the Government whether they are aware that whaling ships are now subject to light dues from which they were formerly exempt; and that, as a consequence, whalers are deterred from calling at the Bay of Islands and other New Zealand porta to refit and get supplies, causing considerable loss to the traders and settlors, who were in the habit of supplying those vessels. GOVERNMENT TOWNSHIP AT MAKETO. To-day Mr. Kelly asked the Government if they would consider the advisability of purchasing a portion of the Maketu settlement, in the Bay of Plenty, so that a Government township might be laid off near the mouth of the harbour, the Kaitemea River. He pointed out the very unsatisfactory state of affairs existing at Maketu. Private enterprise would purchase the land and lay it out if permitted ; but it would be better for the Government to do so, to prevent litigation. It was desired now to ereot a wharf, but tho private parties ooncerned did not know whore to put it, owing to the general uncertainty. The Minister of Lands postponed his reply till next sitting. REGISTRAR OV BIRTHS, ETC., AT TURUA. In reply to Mr. Cadman, the Colonial Secretary said they would not object to the appointing of such an officer if the fees covered his salary.