POLITICAL NOTES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15956, 18 October 1922, Page 12

POLITICAL NOTES.

SOLDIERS* LITERATURE

jParliamemary Henortor.) WELLINGTON, this day. A suggestion that many publications oE the I\.Z,E.F., both at sea and in tho field, be-recorded in the public libraries of Uie Dominion, was made to the Minister of Defence by Mr. MeKcnzie. Speaking offhand, Sir Ileaton Rhodes expressed doubt whether he could obtain copies of these magazines or book- , lets, though he knew an effort had been made by Brigadier-General Richardson, who was in charge of the New Zealand troops in the United Kingdom, to keep a record for a war memorial museum, but the Minister doubted whether there were duplicates or sufficient to distribute among libraries. He admitted, however, tliat they were valuable records, and he would make enquiries into the practicability of the suggestion. • PORK.EXPORT PROSPECTS. The market for first-class pork in England is. so good at present that according to statements in the Houso yesterday, New Zealand producers could realise 6d per lb. net. Mr. Masesy was asked by Dr. Thacker if the- -Meat Control , Board was taking steps to develop this phase of export. He replied that the chairman of the Board had informed him the matter had been investigated, and it was found that the-London prices would produce 6d per lb. net for export. Dr. Thacker: Nearly 8d on present quotation 1 Mr* Masesy replied that his information stated 6d, which was a good price, making export profitable. Tho Meat Export Board would do everything possible to asist in the export oi pork from New Zealand. • A CHANGE OVER. There was an interesting moment when' tho House met last night, and when Mr. Vigor Brown, member for Napier, entered the Chamber, his colleagues closely watched to sen if he would follow the logical consequences oi recent developments and take his scat on the Government side. After a brief glance at his old scat in the front Up position benches, Mr. Brown crossed to the Government quarters where, behind the Ministerial seats, a place was willingly allocated to him. MAGISTRATES' QUALIFICATIONS. Tho joint Statutes Revision Committee haa amended the Magistrate's Court Bill to provide that the qualification of any officer of the Justice Department to be a stipendiary Magistrate shall be at least 10 years' service in that Department, including five years as Magistrate's clerk. He must also be a barrister and solicitor.

OTHER BUSINESS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. The Hon. E. P. 'Lee gave notice of his intention to introduce the Companies Amendment Bill. The Reserves and Other Lands Disposal Bill (European and the "Waahing-up Bill") was introduced by Governor's message and referred to the Lands Committee. In the Legislative Council, the Workers' Compensation Bill, and the Aged and Infirm Persons Protection Bill were read a second time pro forma and referred to the committees. The Land and Income Tax Bill was read it first time. The Shipping and Seamen's Amendment Bill, and the Whangarei Borough Leasing Empowering Bill were reported without amendment. The Public Statement was laid on the table of the House to-night, and the Public Works Estimates were brought dowti by Governor-General's message. The Prime Minister said he proposed to take the debate on the Statement on Friday next.

The Minister of Agriculture announced .that owing to the small response of farmers to avail themselves of the Government scheme. for handling undergrade wheat, tho Government had decided to abandon the scheme entirely and to allow free export. In order to comply with the provisions of the wheat trade regulations it would be necessary for exporters to make formal application for an export permit, but these would be issued for any quantity the exporter!* may desire. The Hon. G. J. Anderson moved the second reading of tho Harbors Amend ment Bill. He explained that the only clause not asked for by the Harbors Conference was one dealing with the utilisation of mud ilats. This right had been asked for by three boards, and he considered it wise to introduce a general clause giving power to reclaim and lease harbor mud Hats. Mr. Atmore thougbt a 21 years' lease was not long enough for this class of land. Tho Minister uaid ho would take expert advice on the point. Mr. Smith (Taranaki) complained' that the Bill gave Harbor -Boards power to increase their charges. The Hon. J. A. Hanan defended this power on the ground that Harbor Boards, like all other local bodies, were faced with increased charges, and must have increased revenue. The Bill was read a second time, and the House rose at 11.50 p.m. .