THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10601, 22 February 1896, Page 4

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

LEGISLATION TO BB INTRODUCED,

(Peb United Press Association.)

Wellington, February 21,

. The New Zealand Times outlines the Government policy next session as laid down by the Premier. Land is to be acquired for workmen's villages close to the large towns, and workmen's trains are fco be regularly run. Farther land for settlement is required, and will be taken under the act if necessary. Advances to settlers only amounted to half a million out of the million and a-half borrowed. The Government intend to overhaul the department and put more vigour into ifc. In view of the strong expression of opinion by tbe Dunedin Medical. Conference against consumption, tbe law will be made as stringent against it as against smallpox, and masters of ships will be made responsible. Legislation will also be direoted towards conserving the purity of ti)e race by excluding races of a lower type and of a lower morality. A bill on the subject of State firo insurance will be introduced, and the Agent-general will be instructed to obtain all information available about the workiag of the system ia Switzerland. The Legislative Council will agiiu be asked ; to place clubs under regulation and national prohibition under control by a local option vote, but no further change in the licensing law will be attempted. The exorbitant interest still charged for loans will receive further attention, and a bill will be introduced putting an end to distraint for rent. Ministers are also seriously considering the advisability of making provision for secand ballots in certain oases at parliamentary elections.