Parliamentary Gossip

Southland Times, Issue 19367, 18 August 1904, Page 2

Parliamentary Gossip

(By Telegraph.)

(From Our Special Correspondents

WELLINGTON, Aug. 17

BISAPPEARING FORESTS

Those in authority do not appear to agree with many people who urge that something should be" done to stop the wholesale destruction of forests.. In the Crown Lands report settlement is urged without regard to the timber. It is stated that while it is necessary to re-

lain fi»>" the extension of settlement all areas of bush lands suitable for the purpose and to consider the conservation of t/he forests, except where milling timber is involved or special beauty spots are to be found, it ia secondary to the profitable occupation and utilisation of tho lands. In several localities it haa already been ascertained that existing reservations of forest lands are detrimental to tho progress of settlement. It I becomes a question, therefore, whether ! portions of these reservations 7i>lKht not be re-leaswl and allotted at a fair valuation to the adjacent owners, in order that they may lie able to maintain themselves and their families. Tlv* Sur-veyor-General says he has been forced to the above conclusion by actual observation and from a conviction that bona fide settlement is the first consideration in New Zealand. This can be done and yet simple provision can be made for maintaining sufficient of our unique forest fauna and scenery. TITE STATE COAL MINES. The annual report on the working of the mines for 1903 shows that in the Toint Elizabeth' mine steady progress, with good prospects, has been made and the quality of the product has been uniformly good, although in some parts, the coal has to be sorted for the removal of shale and stone. The shipping of coal began on 27th May, aivu up to date 3000 tons have been sent away- An output of 2000 tons weekly can be* relied upon. In regard to the Seddonvillo mine the seam is of good workable thickness, but is soft and friable. The qMality, however, is good and, if used with fine openings in the furnaces, makes a grand coal for steam purposes. While, even the fine dross, when used for domestic purposes, cakes quickly and when broken up makes a bright fire with a strong heat. Tho necessity of having close fire-bars had hindered the use of tho coal for steam generation. From November to 31st March the output was 7190 tons, and since April the weekly output has boon 812 tons, which can he doublet! if a market can be found for the coal. The balance-sheet shows that last year it cost' JCI6GO to run the mines, while £3523 was received for sales of coal. There was on hand £220 worth of coal. Discounts amounted to £39, so the loss for the year was £882. ; INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. If an exhibition is to be held in 1905, as outlined in the Budget of this and also of last year, it is afcout time thaV preparations were set in motion. So far the intentions of the Government have not been mode clear, hut proposals will be submitted to the House during the session. FKIENDLY SOCIETIES. A bill to amend the existing Friendly Societies Acts, and Tiring the New Zealand law more into conformity with the Imperial statute, is under consideration. Before it is introduced copies will be sent to the societies interested. The annual report of the Registrar, giving statistics for iyO2, is expected within a fortnight. FOR THE UNEMPLOYED. .. There is n general slackness of .workjust now. particularly in the pointing trade, and it is probable that temporary relief will be afforded by having public buildings painted where necessary. Bushfelling work will also be provided on a block of Crown land obtained for the purpose. THE RAILWAY COMPLAINTS. Sir Joseph Ward is unable to say exactly when the official ren,ly to the complaints and enquiries «*ade by tho delegates of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants^will be rendy. but* the various matters are receiving attention, and the reply can be expected before long. PROPOSED INDUSTRIES. ' In reply to a question by Mr Witheford, Sir Joseph Ward states that the manufacture of wood pulp tor paperhiaking has been closely considered by the Government, and shißments of our timber have been sent to paper-makdng firms in Europp. The reports thereOli have been generally satisfactory. Unfortunately the paper turned out has not been of the best colour, the defect being possibly due to the' sap. The Extension of Commerce committee will probably take the question into consideration, and also look into the value of our sand for glass making. STATE COAL. It is not probable (that the public will receive much benefit from the State coal mines for some time yet. The surplus available for household use is- not more than 600 tons per week at present. An effort is being made tp let all parts of the colony share equally, and shipments have been, sonj; to Bluff, Dunedin, Timaru, Wangaaui.and New Plymouth: THE NEW COUNTY MOVEMENT. Mr W. Fraser presented well-signed per titions to-day against the new county which it is proposed to set round about Gore. The petitioners declare that the majority of ratepayers are opposed to the unovwnent, winch is contrary to the interests of the districts.