POLITICAL NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12087, 16 August 1917, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[From Otra 'Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, Augutft 15. SAVING SPORTS GROUNDS. " It would be an everlasting disgraoe to New Zealand if sports grounds passed into the hands of mortgagees during the absence of our soldiers, and I am confident that the Government and public will join to prevenlfc anything of the sort taking place,'' declared Mr Massey in reply to Dr Thacker's appeal to save grounds from sale for building. CHRISTMAS GIFTS. "Pleased as I should be to adopt the proposal, it is not considered feasible in view of the difficulties of transport nnd distribution," stated the Prime Minister in reply to Mr Poole's suggestion, that every New Zealand soldier" should receive a Christmas gift of a pound of butter. CAMP CANTEENS. A suggestion by Mr Talbot that the Government should take charge of camp canteens has resulted in a statement by the Minister of Defence that the Y.M.C.A. last year was invited to run the canteens. * They accordingly brought to "Wellington an experienced caterer who was interested in the worK. He visited the camps, and found that the canteens were managed very effteierjtly. ~Th« quality of the food served was good and prices were moderate. A special committee of the Y.M.C.A., as a result of their visit, reported to the 'National Executive that in their judgment it would not be wise for the association to make .a proposal. Tenders are called for can toon rights, the money being distributed pro rata, among the reinforcements for the purchase of luxuries on the voyage. If the goods were sold on a non-profit basis there would be no sura available for luxuries on troopships. BOOKMAKERS AND POST OFFICE The Police Department has drawn the attention of the Post and Telegraph authorities to tire use made by bookmakers of post and telegraph services Regulations to mora effectively deal with suspected persons are under consideration. NOXIOUS WEEDS. The Minister of Agriculture states that initial steps are being taken towards a weeds survey and special weed control. Investigations have already been taken in these matters, and will, in view of ithoir undoubted importance, bo prosecuted as rapidly as circumstances will permit. IMPROVED STORAGE OF MEAT. Mr Talbot. who asked the Primo Minister it any stops were being taken to carry out it.he proposal to remove hindquarters of sheep tilled at works and pack thi.ni in the remainder of the carcase, so as to save cold storage space in works and on boats, has been informed that arrangements have been made for cutting and packing newly killed sheep carcases in the manner described. At a recent conference cf freezing companies' representatives, the matter was discussed, and the procedure will be carried out as agreed upon. OFFICERS ISOLATED. Answering Mr Dickie's question whether it is a tact that Territorial officers who were recently called into camp found when they arrived that no provision had been made for their reception, and chat they were sent into quarters which had been affected with measles, and whether they are as a result now isolated, the Minister of Defence s"ud :—'' The facts are not as stated. On arrival in camp, as is new 'uio invamolo rule, a bacteriological examination was made of the throats of the oiDCcr? in question. 'llia result in several cases was such that further inves-t-gatkn of cultures was necessary before they could be allowed to mix with other officers and men in camp. Meanwhile they wore kept in isolation one or two days." LAND AGENTS. Mr Witty has been informed by the Minister of Internal Affairs that it now is proposed to amend the Land Agents Act this session with regard t-o bend moneys. ARMOUR BRAND ON MEAT. Mi Nosworthy read a cablegram today, received by a Christchurch firm, complaining that a quantity of New Zealand meat arriving in London was branded Armour." He asked the Prime Minister if he would take steps to pit a stop to such practice. Mr Massey stated he had received a c-.ble on tho subject from the High Commissioner a rev/ days a go, and he had given instructions that it he practice must be discontinued. SECOND DIVISION MEN. " Necessary legislation will be brought down this session," replied the Prime Minister to a question from Mr Brewn whether the Government would bring in financial legislation to give effect to the requests of the Second Division. RUMOURED OIL SHORTAGE. In reply to a suggestion from a member to-day that there was a shortage of kerosene in tthe country, nnd that stocks were being held up, the Prime Minister stated that it was the first time his attention had been called to the alleged scarcity of kerosene. He did not know anything about it, but he would havo the subject looked into. AUSTRALIAN FLOUR. Labour difficulties have temporarily suspended shipments of Australian flour to New Zealand, so the situation should not continue to cause difficulty to New Zealand millers. Cabinet has not reach-d finality with its permanent solution, as the matter involves, I understand, some reference to tho trrangemeut made with the Australian Government over the wheat mirehuso.