JOTTINGS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7263, 20 October 1910, Page 6

JOTTINGS

The Government is considering amendments of the Old Age Pension Act.. Mr Field has been informed that the erection of a post office at Paraparaumu is being considered. Tho contract for tho new General Post Office in Wellington contains provision being made for statuary to be placed iu tho .main entrance, if required, but no decision has, so far been arrived at by the Government, as to the amount (if any) which would be expended on such statuary, states the Minister of Public Works in answer to a query as to whether the Government proposed to spend £2OOO on statuary tor the new building. Tho sea carriage of State coal is always let by contract, and for this then is always very fair competition, consequently there is no monopoly so far at sea carriage is concerned, says the Hon R. AlcKenzie. The Government are, however, considering the advisability of procuring two steam colliers to deal with the carriage of State coal. - ; The Government is aware- of the large increase in population, in the districts of Miramar and Evans Bay, and also of the increase of industrial development and shipping in Evans Bay, but considers that at present it would be premature to extend the railway from Te Aro to Miramar, a distance of three miles, which would cost, approximately, £150,000, states the Hon. R. McKenzie in reply to Air Luke. If it is tho wish of labour organisations generally throughout New Zealand to alter the date of Labour Day to some other .month in the year, and a request is made to me to that effect, I shall be pleased to give favourable consideration to the matter, 'states the Minister of Labour.