POLITICAL NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7864, 28 July 1911, Page 6

POLITICAL NOTES

PLENTY 0E WORK

MEMBERS MAKE A BUSY OPENING

A prolific crop of new Bills sprouted during tho first hour of the session. The Government, indicated its preparedness in this respect, notice being given of tho introduction of the following measures:

Town Planning Bill (Hon. G. Fowkis). Pharmacy Amendment Bill (Hon. G, Fowlds).

Friendly Societies Amendment Bill (Hon. J. A. Millar). Shipping and Seamen Amendment Bill (Hon. J. A. Millar). Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill (lion. J. A. Millar). Workers Compensation for Accidents Act Amendment (Hon, J. A. Millar). Seeds Sale Control Bill (Hon. T. Mackenzie). Administration Amendment Bill (Sir James Carroll). A Bill to consolidate and amend the law relating to tlio control of mentally defective portions was introduced by Governor’s message and road, a first time. It is in- the charge* of the Hon. (ieo. Fowlds, PRIVATE MEMBERS* EFFORTS. The veteran of the House, Sir William Steward, quite undeterred by previous failures, lias again given notice to introduce his Elective Executive Bill and Marriage Act Amendment Bill. The latter seeks to remedy a deficiency in the law which makes legal a marriage with a deceased wife’s sister, but does not permit of marriage with a deceased wife’s niece or deceased husband’s nephew. Mr Witty has given notice to introduce a measure providing for the registration of land agents. To prevent local jealousies Mr Witty proposes that each registering authority shall deduct bare expenses rrom the fees, and hand the balance to the local hospital board. Mr Hogg seeks bv statute to abolish the duties on food; Mr McLaren has prepared an amendment to the Shearers' Accommodation Act; Mr !Newman will introduce a Land Act Amendment; and Mr \V. T. Jennings, at the request of a conference of country racing clubs, took the first opportunity of moving to introduce a Bill to amend the Racing Act of last session, the object sought being the setting aside of various decisions of the Racing Commission which in the opinion of fuo conference unduly penalise country clubs. Mr Newman, Opposition meinoer for Manawatu, is affecting an aversion to titles, lie gave notice yesterday to introduce ‘‘The Hereditary 'titles Prevention Bill.” QUESTIONS AND MOTIONS Ait amendment of the Old Age pensions mil is suggested by Mr J. T* Hogan, to provide for pensions to indigent persons at age sixty, as well as pensions for the blind, manned, crippled and deformed. Mr Lauronson is asking for a commission to inquire into the relationship of the earnings of the people to the cost of living in 1896 ana 1910, with a similar comparison for Australia. A contract recently given by the railway Department to a private firm lor eleven locomotives is tne - subject of a question by Mr Arnold, who maintains that the work could have been done in the Hillside railway workshops. Mr J, P. Luke has moved lor a return showing the. number of associations formed under the Laud Settlement Finance Act, the number of members, the area of land and the price paid for it. There is an impression abroad, says Mr 0. H. Poole, that some localities are penalised in regard to -freight rates on the railways. lie therefore urges a revision of rates between the South and North Islands. An amendment,of the Railway Classification Act is urged by" the member for Dunedin South, to provide that at lease 50 per cent, of drivers and firemen should bo put in the first grade. Failing that, Mr Arnold suggests that at least 50 per cent should be so graded on this year's D 3 list. An ingenious suggestion to increase the naval subsidy and at the same time encourage the Dominion’s oil industry is made by the member for Wallace (Mr Thomson), namely, that the Admiralty should be given annually oil valued nt a thousand pounds. A maximum rateable value for lands solely employed for farming purposes is suggested by Mr G. W. Russell. Mr J, P. Luke asks that the proposed public service classification shall tirovlde bettor conditions and a higher maximum salary for officers of the inspection of Macinery Department. “ Why has there been such delay in issuing the new police regulations?” asks Mr Arnold.

Air Ifordman has moved for a return of all papers and correspondence received from Groat Britain by tho Prime Minister, or any other Minister, containing invitations or relating to invitations to attend the Coronation; and also copies of all communications forwarded by *the Government in reply.

THE HARBOUR BOARD BILL

The 'Harbours Act provoked a few questions in Parliament yesterday. Mr Buchanan asked the Government if it will introduce a Bill to prevent “ tne present method of electing representatives of combined districts on Harbour Boards. Mr Craigio suggested an equalisation of the franchise between town and country and ns between combined town and country districts. Mr Witty also suggests that a trustee or a member of a company should bo allowed to vote at an election if his name is on the roll. LOCAL BILL. Notice of the introduction of the Greytown Town Lands and ■ Hospital Lands Exchange Act has been given by Mr Buchanan.