POLITICAL NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12776, 21 October 1919, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

GALLERY GOSSIP.

[From Opr Corrsbpondtskt.] WELLINGTON, October 20, THE RICE PROBLEM.

Air Poole drew tho Prime Minister’s attention to-night to an article recently published in the 11 Fiji Times,” showing tMt the administration of Fiji had secured supplies of rice and been able to prohibit the sale of it a t higher retail prices than threepence jier pound. Ho suggested that Mr Massey should get the Board of Trade to look iuito too matter when investigating tho question of rice supply and price in New Zealand.

Air Alnssey reminded members that it was verv much easier to supply a small population like that of Fiji than to supply New Zealand. Mr Poole: A hundred thousand in Fiji are living largely on rice.

Mr Aiassey added that he would be very glad to place the information before the Board of Trade. GRATUITIES PAYMENT. According to Air Poland (Ohinemuri), who worked out the rate of payment of the war gratuity during the first twenty days after payments commenced, it will take three years to complete the distribution of tho money. He wanted to know if something could be done to expedite these payments. The Prime Alinister promised to make inquiry, but he assured Air Poland that the whole of the payments would be made by Christinas. ANTI-SHOUTING. “It is not intended to introduce licensing legislation this session,” said the Prime Minister to-night in reply to a suggestion that as the anti-shout-ing law was purely a wav measure it ought to be repealed. Air Massey added that he heard from all over the country that the section was a, farce. Ho had. referred the matter to th© Crown law officersA CHRISTCHURCH PETITION. Reporting on the petition of Alarian Fraser, Christchurch, praying for a further compassionate, allowance on account of services rendered by her late husband whilst a member of the police force, the Public Petitions Committee recommends the request to the Government for favourable consideration. NAURU ADAIINISTRATION. Tho Prime Alinister gave notice tonight to move that the House should ratify the agreement between the British, Australian and New Zealand Governments for the administration of the Island of Nauru. He subsequently laid a copy of the agreement on the table of the House. THE NAVAL REPORT. A suggestion was made to the Government by the Hon A. AI. Alyers tonight that in view of the importance of Admiral Jollicoe’s report and the necessity of considering it, on non-party lines a defence committee, composed of an equal number of members of both sides, should be set up. to submit the result of its deliberations to the House. Air Aiassey replied that if tho session was beginning he would bo nleased to give effect to the suggestion, "but it was not possible to give the information contained in Admiral Jcllicoe’s confidential report. Air Alyers; It is not a party question. Air Alnssey: No, but it is a confidential question so far as the Empire is concerned. I cannot see how it is possible to set up a committee at this period of tho session. NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND. An amendment of the National Provident Fund Act was introduced by Governor’s message to-night. The Hon AV. H. Herries explained that it provided for tho fulfilment of promises made to friendly societies that maternity payments should be made un to £6. The income limitation of members of the fund was being raised from £250 to £3OO, and the age limitation raised from 45 to 60.