SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS BY THE PREMIER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2429, 3 October 1900, Page 32

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS BY THE PREMIER.

In the course of his reply in the debate on the Industrial Schools Bill the Premier stated that there had been more offending and more serious crime and immorality in Government than in private industrial schools. As this evoked some expression of surprise, the Premier repeated his statement, and said, even supposing the worst- allegations regarding the Sioke Orphanage to be proved, then he would say that in respect to public institutions in the colony woi^e had occurred. It was the duty of the House to do everything possible for the welfare of the children, but as long as he had breath he would be no party to punishing people who had done nothingwrong.

LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES

The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Bill introduced by the Premier provides in -clause 2 that after the bill commences the provision, of section 6 of tho amending act of lEO 6, imposing upon all property that becomes rateable dm ing the currency of a loan the liability to be rated for that loan, shall extend and apply to loans current at the time of the commencement of the bill. Clause 3 provides that interest payable in respect of every existing loan, the term of which, is 26 years, shall bo computed as and from the Ist August, TBOO. at the rate of 4£ per cent, per annum, and shall be payable accordingly. The next clause provides when the readjustment is to lake effect, and clause 5 says that in any ca."e where the currency of an existing loan is extended under tho amending act of 1E99 it shall be lawful for the local authority io levy special rates of such an amount and for such a period as ma,y be necessary for the payment of interest during the extended period of the loan.

THE PACIFIC CABLE.

The Hon. Mr Ward has given notice of tho introduction of the Pacific Cable Bill. Under this power will be taken for New Zealand to pay one-ninth of whatever tho cost may be. Formerly, 1 believe, the cost wan limited to £1,700.000.

ISLAND FEDERATION.

Mr Seddon has given notice to move certain resolutions extending the boundaries of the colony of New Zealand. The resolutions are not yet drafted, but I understand they will doal with the federation of some of the South Sea Islands with New Zealand.

RELIEF OF CROWN TENANTS,

Captain Russell has given notice to ask the Minister of Lands whether he will consider the advisablenesEJ of amending subsection 2 of clause 157 of " The Lend Act, 1692," so as to afford relief to Grown tenants by exempting all those who have effected substantial improvements on the land to the value of 20 per cent, within two years from the date of their licenses or leases from further paying their rent half-yearly in advance.

PUBLIC WORKS BILL.

In the Public Works Act Amendment Bill, which has been introduced in the House by the Hon. W. Hall- Jones, numeicus minor amendments are proposed. Clause 7 provides for the control and cost of loads, which are on the boundaiic-j of boroughs. Ths cost of tho construction and maintenance of such a road is to be borne by the Borough Council and the local authority of every (district of which such road is also a boundary, or which is benefited by its construction or maintenance in such proportions as may be mutually agreed upon. Clause 8 in part readfi: — "In any case where a road in one district is largely u:ed by or for the pin pose of traffic to or from another district, and the Governor is of opinion ihat it is equitable that the latter district should contvibuce towards tho cose of constructing or maintaining the whole or any Dortion of such roed ill the former district, the Governor may from time lo time apportion the cost of constructing or maintaining the whole or my part of such road among the local at'thoiities of the respective districts as he thinks fit." Extended powers to make by-laws in respect of heavy traffic are given by clause 13. The two next cc laii3es1 aii3es deal with the removal or lowering of 'treas overshadowing loads or obstructing watercourses. Clause 17 contains a provision to aTow timber to be brought over private lands. Provision is made in clause 19 for compelling an owner when pubdividng land to prow'le and dedicate a public road to allotments foZcI. There is also a provision in ths bill that the Governor may abolish toll-gates, and another dealing with his powers to open water races.

JOTTINGS.

Mr Carncross is to ask Ihe Minister of Justice if he will at once take steps towards arranging for the election of a constable's residence and courthouse ai Outram, ' those hitherto in use in that township having been destroyed by fire?