POLITICAL NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10542, 25 August 1910, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

liy Telegraph. (From Our Chvn Correspondent.) Wellington, August 24. —State Banking.— The Committee recently set up by ,the Legislative Council to inquire into the question of a State Hank and a paper currency is beginning its investigations. To-day it ol)tained leave for the Council to request, the attendance of ill- -H. G. Jill, M.P.. for examination as a witness. The message was received in the House with laughter, and cries of "Hear, hear." the required leave being readily given. The Ijeader of the Opposition inquired, however, whether the House would be in any way held responsible for the views that' Mr Ell might ex pres.®. —(Laughter.) —Parl i a 111 enta ry Li 11 ra ry. The Parliamentary librarian (Mr Charles Wilson)' calls attention in his annual report to a condition of the General Assembly Library Act under which copies of all. New Zealand publications must be sent to the library. AYhile leading publishers do not overlook their obligations, the chief librarian points out that large quantities of matter, which constitute valuable sources of information to the social and political historian of the future, are lost to the library. He recommends the circularising of all printers and publishers and the enforcement of the law. The publications added to the library last year numbered 2640, and included a most interesting and valuable collection of books dealing with the early history of New Zealand purchased from the executors of the late J)r Meeson, of Christchurch. An exceedingly valuable collection of etchings and engravings was presented many years ago by the late, Bishop Monrad, and in view of the increasing interest in art throughout the Dominion, the librarian, suggests that the collection should be carefully classified and framed, and the choicer speeimeus mounted on revolving stands. The collection includes original etchings by Bembrandt, Albrecht Durer, Van Ostade, lan Stecn, and other masters.

—Questions and Answers. — 'Hie Prime Minister states that the main and supplementary lists of justices of the peace will be issued at the earliest possible date after the session. ]n reply to a request for a deaf sehool at Auckland, the .Hon. G. Fowlds states that, compared ivith similar schools in other countries, the number of pupils at the School for Deaf at Sumner is not yet so large as to warrant, the establishment- of another institution in New Zealand at present.