POLITICAL NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9308, 7 August 1908, Page 3

POLITICAL NOTES.

[From Oun Corbespondknt.] WELLINGTON, August 7. . AN IMPORTANT REFORM. The passing of the Town Districts Act Amendment Bill by the House of Representatives yesterday is a feather in the cap of the member for Christchurch South. Mr Ell 's Bill proposes to extend the ordinary municipal franchise to town, districts, in which up to the present time property and property alone has ruled. The measure wa» described in the House as an attempt to break down one- of £he j, a6 t strongholds of Conservatism as far as local government was concerned, and it was opposed vigorously by Mr Ma«sey and his followers. The Prime Minister gave the Bill hifi support, however, and it went through its final stage tas far as the Lower House is concerned. THE AMERICAN FLEET. / s Mr Wilford, who objects to what he regards as the effusiveness of New Zealand's welcome to the American fleet, made his final protest in the House last night. The Americans, he said, had no love for New Zealand or the British Empire, and had sent their fleet oh its tour merely to emphasise) their own power and strength. The American Admiral should have been 'welcomed by the Prime Minister, and ordinary courtesies should have been extended, but the dominion should not have tried to make a champagne show on a beer and cheese salary. Mi- A. Barclay supported Mr Wilford in a vigorous fashion. It appeared, he said, that New Zealand dreaded an attack from the Empire's libble allies in Japan, and was anxious {o shelter behind America. The other side of the case » was put effectively by the Prime MinisA WAR ECHO. Captain Clark, who- served with the contingents in South Africa, had his case again under discussion yesterday. His rank when he left New Zealand was that of a sergeant, it was stated, but he rapidly rose to the rank of lieutenant, and subsequently, acted, it was. further stated, as a captain. When hej returned to New Zealand he received his pay on the basis of his original rank, and for two years now has petitioned Parliament for the balance due to ; him. In this action he is mainly actuated by a 'desire t<* have the rank in. which he seiVed officially recognised. The committee 'which- reported on his petition recommended that he should be paid, on the basis of having served as a lieutenant. Mr Barber and others expressed the hope that the Govern-: merit would make the necessary provision on the Supplementary Estimates.