POLITICAL NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8984, 18 July 1907, Page 1

POLITICAL NOTES.

[Fbom Our Correspondent.] * WELLINGTON, July 17. THE HON H. SCOTLAND. In urguig in the Council to-day that the salaries of members of the Upper Huuse should be the same as those oi members of the House of Representatives, the Hon H. Scotland said it would matter little to him whether his motion was agreed to or not. " Whether I am alive or not next year,'' he 6a id, "I have decided that my place here will know me no more. Before I leave I would like to see an end put to what I consider a great injustice." An unfeeling Council killed the discussion by agreeing to " tho previous question." FIRE BRIGADES ACT. Mr C. M. Gray asked the Premier whether, owing to th» incomplete and unworkable nature of the Fire Brigades Act of last session, the Government would as soon as possible introduce the amendments necessary to make the act a workable measure. The Premier replied that an amending Bill had been prepared and would bo introduced shortly. CROSSING TRAINS. Mr Witty, member for Riccarton. asked the Minister of Railways whether he would favourably consider the advisability of prohibiting the crossing of trains at any crossing place unless a man is*in charge of such place. The Minister rep Led tfiat, in compiling railway time-tables the times of arrival at and departure from terminal stations had to be fixed to suit the convenience of the general public and the requirements of the business, and as far as possible train crossings were arranged to take place at stations at which there was an officer in charge, and this practice would be adhered to as closely as circumstances permitted. The tablet system was being extended a 6 rapidly as possible. Large sections of the busy lines were already so equipped, and on these the trains were run under protection of the tablet. When the tablet was in operation on the whole railway 6ystem every train croseinjr place would be controlled by an officer in charge. It was quite impracticable at the present time to entirely abandon the crossing of trains at flag stations, or to place a man in charge of such stations in every cr.se where trains have to cro?s. The crossing of trains at flag stations was, however, limited as far as possible. THE TOTALISATOR. In answer to Mr H. G. Ell, the Premier 6tated that the Government would not introduce a Bill providing for a referendum vote of the electors on the question of the abolition or the totalisator. Legislation dealing with gambling generally would be submitted to Parliament, and the matter could bo tested then. MISCELLANEOUS. In answer to Sir William Steward, the Premier stated that the Government intended to proceed this session with amended legislation relating to friendly societies. The Government promised Mr Davey that it would consider the desirableness of amending the law so as to provide that pereons trading as companies should be compelled to register the namea of the partners.