PARLIAMENTARY NOTES AND GOSSIP.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue 13903, 3 November 1919, Page 1

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES AND GOSSIP.

By Telegraph. (Special-to the Oamaru Mail.) . WELLINGTON. November 1. PARLIAMENT'S BUSINESS. When the-miscellaneous collection of clauses relating to local bodies' interests known as the Washing-up Bill was introduced to-night, the Premier was asked what more legislation was likely to make its appearance. He replied that there wits :-, Finance Bill which included provision to increase widows' and miners' pensions.

Sir Joseph Ward asked what- was proposed to be done regarding tne Jcllieoe report, and Mr Massey said he was willing to have it discussed, but it would not be very satisfatorv at this stage of the session. Therefore it ought to stand over. -Answering an inquiry about the honorarium for members being in reused. Mr Massey said nothing permanent would be done by the present Parliament. The Premier gave notice to introduce an Industrial and Conciliation Arbitration Amendment Bill. THE MEAT TRUST MENACE.

The Premier, when asked bv Mr W. 11. Field, if New Zealand was co-operating with the Imperial authorities in jilieir plans for counteracting the American Meat Trust operations, and if meat purchase was being; extended, said he had asked the High Commissioner to ascertain if the Imperial authorities wished to -extend the meat commandeer. He was unaware what the Imperial Gov- 1 eminent proposed to do in regard to the Meat Trust. ' MAIL INCONVENIENCE.

According to Mr Wilkinson (Egmont) overseas mails have been so irregular that goods from England and -America have often arrived before bills of lading. He asked the Postmaster-General if steps would be taken to improve the position. The latter said the British Post Offioe had been asked to exercise more judgment in the selection of steamers carrying mails, and specific recommendations had been sent to America, and England to ensure that more convenient arrangements would be made for shippers' goods.