POLITICAL ITEMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10587, 3 September 1896, Page 2

POLITICAL ITEMS.

(Feom Oub Own Coskespondknt.) '■„ WBEi.iNffro», September 2. A statement showing the progress made in making provision of land for Natives, in accordance with the recommendation of the Joint Committee on the Middle Island Native claims, has beea laid on the table of the House. Tbo snrveys of the lands set aside are well forward. The reserve is between 80,000 and 90,000 acres. . . The Copyright Telegrams Committee met yesterSfty, but did little business. Mr Iress applied to be examined to-day. No arrangement has been made as to examining tho officers of the Press Association. Mr T. MaokeDzie is to »»k the Minister for Lands whether he will, in order to assist our poorer settlers is the remoter districts, favournbly consider the adTisability of amending the Land Act in the direction of permitting the settlers to occupy land free for a> specific period immediately following the commencement of their lease. ■ Mr W. Hutchison is moving in the direction of providing a police superannuation scheme, and has given notice to ask the Minister for Justice if the Government, before another Parliament meets, will take into consideration the propriety of formulating » scheme, and b«ing prepared to subdoit the "earne for parliamentary sanction next year. .