POLITICAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 15, 10 September 1912, Page 3

POLITICAL.

NOTES AND NEWS. Notice lias been given by Mr G. M. Thomson (Dunedin North) to ask theMinister for Marine whether in view of the early opening of the trout-fish-ing season, he will endeavour to have a smoking plant erected in the Taupe district so as to utilise as far as possible the great number of fine hsh which are annually destroyed? It is estimated that last year over 150 tons of trout were taken in Lake Taupe and the neighbourhood, and of this not more than ten tons were utilised for food. A smoking plant would cost from £IOOO to £ISOO, but 140 tons of fish at Gd per pound would run up to £7840, and would leave a good margin of profit, besides supplying an excellent article of food to other parts of the Dominion.

The Bill dealing with the Arbitration Court, on lines .outlined in the Budget, will be introduced by the Prime Minister ioj-djiy and read a.first time. The Land Bill will probably be introduced towaids the end of the week. Mr Massey informed a "N.Z. Times" representative that he was- not sure whether the second reading of the Public Service Bill would be taken to-day or later in the week. Jf the Bill d.d not come on on Tuesdayj the Estimates would be taken. The Prime Minister is of opinion that the session will, end about \hc third week in October. "One never knows, of course," be said, "but at the present rate of progress we should be finished then." Mr A. M. Myers lias (says the "N.Z. Timers") declared himself an Jndepeml cut Liberal. Interviewed on the sub je'ct he said be had made it quite clear in his election campaign that as long

as the Government maintained wliai he regarded as the true Liberal policy and introduced Liberal measures, he would support it. Otherwise he left himftelf free to act as he thought best in the interests of his constituents and the people generally. A certain toa.bination of circumstances had placed the present Administration in power, and they had adopted nearly the whole of the proposals subscribed to by the Mackenzie Administration of which ho (Mr Myers) was a member. He frankly confessed that he cii not believe that the Reform party would bring down the advanced and demociat'c j.ol ; cy to which the present Government bad definitely committed itself. "If," he continued, "the gentlemen who now occupy the Traanry benches prove themselves as sincere in tfceir intention as were the memuers of iv. 1 Mackenzie Ministry to sec that these mesures are placed on the Statute Book, and thus follow in the footsteps of the founders of Liberalism in Now Zealand, I for one will give these incisures my support. As an Independent. Liberal 1 will vote according to my judgment on all mesures which come before the House." A Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Bill is being introduced. It proposes to reduce the time for the notification of births from 72 hours to 48 hours in a borough, and from 21 days to 14 days in other cases. In respect of deaths, the Bill proposes to place the onus of registration entirely upon the undertaker, who is to notify the death within three days in a borough, or seven days in other eases, instead of thirty days as at present. Certain stipulations are also amended in respect of burial certificates. The postponement by the Legislative Council of the Bill for their own reform is not regarded by the Government with satisfaction, and before the present session ends the House of Representatives will be given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the Bill, it has been stated in the lobbies since the Bill met its unhappy fate in the Council, that Parliament and the country had heard the last of Legislative Council reform for the present session. This report is now contradicted, says the Wellington ''Dominion." A Bill to give- effect to ihe Government's proposals for an elective Upper Chamber will be introduced into the House of l?epresent.ifives, put through all its stages, and sent on to the Council in the ordinary course. Should the measure pas through the Lower House,

the argument cited against the Bill in the Council that the reform of thai Chamber is not demanded by the people of the country will be at least partly met. The passage of this important measure pass through the Lower House some of which are not yet in sight, to which the Government are committed, may mean a prolongation of the present .session beyond the middle of October, the time originally forecasted as the most likely for dispersal.

MR C. A. WILKINSON'S CAMPAIGN

During the past week, Mr C. A. Wilkinson, the Reform candidate, met with an enthusiastic reception in the Opunake district. The seaport town led off in good style by tendering him a vote of thanks and confidence oil tlie Monday, and he was further complimented during the week at OpUa road, Oaonui, Rahotu, and Mangahume by unanimous confidence votes. Ihe weather on the whole was far from favourable for electioneering, but the support met with was splendid. On every band there was great interest shown in Mr Wilkinson's candidature, and a warm welcome awaiting him. Very large and energetic committees were formed, the Opunake one numbering over 70 members. Other places entitled to special mention are Rahotu 16, Pihama 20, Mangahume 17, Te Kiri '2O, Warea 10, whilst at Pungareliu, Oaonui, Opua road awl other districts very representative committees were arranged. In every district there are great efforts bong made to secure Mr Wilkinson's return.