SESSIONAL NOTES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5665, 12 August 1905, Page 7

SESSIONAL NOTES.

TUB LANDS REPORT. In reply to the leader of tho Opposition yesterday afternoon, the Premier stated that he would announce definitely on Tuesday next the date on wh.ch he would afford members an opportunity of discussing tho report of tho Land Commission. STATE COAL MINTS. Members are anxious to see tho bal-ance-sheet of tli© Slate coal mines, especially in view of the discussion that lias taken place on the subject during tho session. The Premier, in reply to .Mi- Herdrnan. announced yesterday that the balance-sheet wim now in the hands of the Audit Department, and he would take an early opportunity of laying it on the table of tho House. WAGES IN FACTORIES. Tho Labour Bills Committee, reporting on Air Taylors Factories Act Amendment Bill, which seeks to provide i\ payment of not less than seventeen shillings a week for every person of the ago of twenty years or over employed in a factory, has amended tho bill in tho direction of providing for tho receipt of this wage after being employed in a factory for a period of not less than four years. PESTERING MEMBERS. Objection was raised in th© House last night to a system that has grown up of persons —it was alleged they we.ro inebriated —accosting members in the Parliamentary grounds. Air Barber complained that lie was “stuck up” in the grounds by people who would not ho allowed on Lambton quay. Ho suggested that a policeman should be stationed in the Parliamentary grounds. The Premier said there was a good story going round that a man who was intoxicated sent in for Mr Bedford, as ho wanted to take the pledge. (Laughter.) Seriously speaking, however. ho would mention the matter to the Minister for Justice, to see if some steps could not bo taken to prevent people from troubling members. “PLUMS” OF THE SERVICE. The cause of women shorthand writers was advocated by Air Taylor, who urged that they should bo given an opportunity on tho “Hansard” staff. He averred that there were some women in tho colony who had passed examinations in speed and quality of work that would beat any “Hansard” reporter on tho staff to-day. “What about the hours?” asked an hon. member. “They go to dances,” interjected the member for Ashburton. Whilst on the subject of “Hansard,” the member for Christchurch asked by whose authority a “Hansard” reporter was allowed to give evidence in tho Supreme Court in regard to tho notes he took of a debate in tho House, in a case in which he (Air Taylor) was concerned in Christchurch? Were they privileged to disclose to anyone such information without permission of the Speaker? The Chairman of Committee ruled that this was a matter for tho Speaker. Air Taylor intimated that he would put a question on the order-paper in regard to tho matter. THAT VOUCHER. Air Herdrnan yesterday gave notice to ask the Colonial Treasurer, “Whether payments made out of moneys received from the Imperial Government for disbursement in Now Zealand are audited; if so, by whom?” JOTTINGS, The Premier, in reply to complaints of lack of accommodation, said last night that the time was fast approaching when tho old portion of the mentary Buildings would have to be rebuilt.