REPLIES TO QUESTIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2692, 18 October 1905, Page 17

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS.

In reply to questions Ministers stated That the influx of Chinese into New Zealand" is being carefully watched, with- the object of applying remedial measures. That proposal respecting the Sparrowwill be submitted^ to the House ir duo course, and pending appropriations and approval, as little expenditure as possible is being incurred. There are no youths at present on the vessel, which will accom-. modate about 80 boys. They will be drafter! from the industrial schools, and will not include reformatory ;ases. If there are not sufficient bo}'s available the Government will arrange for taking boys who 3omply with conditions to be fixed by regulation. After the boys have been trained i large number of them will be available [or the Australian squadron, and for our mercantile marine. That instructions will b"e sent to the High Dommissioner to furnish regularly a full report of the kauri gum sales in London. That the salaries of Native school teachers ire now under revision. That there is not any immediate prospect )f arranging a steam service to South Africa via Australian pong, but the -nhule luestion is bo in? carefullj watched by the government.* That it is intended to r-Jiss the Pure Food Bill this session. That the application 01 .wireless telegraphy ;o the outlying islands of New Zealand has seen under consideration, and the Governnent is keeping in touch with the latest levelopment*. It is hoped that something >ractieal will be done before long in the lir^ction of establishing wireless communication between New Zealand and Australia. That arrangements will soon be completed or the acquisition of suitable sites for retail State ooal depots in Wellington centres.