POLITICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12400, 13 October 1903, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

[BT telegraph.—special correspondent.] Wellington', Monday. ;■',..' A PETITION., | A petition was presented to-day, signed by over 600 railway employees at the Petone workshops, asking for the payment of wages weekly or fortnightly, instead of monthly as at present, on the ground that they lost the discounts for cash offered by storekeepers and others. STATE FIRE INSURANCE. The State Fire Insurance Bill is at present hung up on account of a disagreement between the House of Representatives and the Legislative Council. The Bill as it passed through the Council came before the House to-night. The Leader of the Opposition pointed to two of the amendments, which he held to be amendments to money clauses, and therefore an infringement of the privileges of the House. One of the clauses amended was that which gave power to the general manager of the Department to apply to the Colonial Treasurer for supplementary capital if required. The amendment was to the effect that the application by the general manager could only be made with the approval of the State Fire Insurance Board, and on this matter the-Speaker ruled that Mr. Massoy's contention was right, and that the amendment is a breach of the privileges of the House." The Premier had previously indicated that the amendments made by the Council should be agreed with, but on the Speaker giving his ruling the Premier moved that on tMs matter the amendment of the Council be disagreed with. This course was adopted, and the Premier, Mr. Massey, and Mr. Baume were appointed to draw up reasons for the disagreement. It remains to be seen if the Legislative Council will in- ' sist upon its amendment, in which case the Bill would be in considerable danger of being stuck up.

THE DOMAIN EXCHANGE. The City of Auckland Empowering and Reserves Exchange Bill is expected to come before the Local Bills Committee of the House to-morrow.