NOTES THOM THE HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16553, 12 October 1921, Page 10

NOTES THOM THE HOUSE.

♦ [From Ora Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, October 11. DISTRESSED SAILORS. The attention of the Prime Minister was called by Mr Isitt to the fact that there aro a number of sailors out of employment in New Zealand. The member for Christchurch North suggested that as they were in sore straits the Government might assist them. Mr Massey replied that this was a?i important point. He would be glad to look into it. If there were cases of .hardship the Government would be glad to assist the sailors. IMPERIAL AFFAIRS. Mr Massey assured Mr Malcolm today that he will give members an opportunity of discussing his Imperial statement and allow some interval to enable them to consider the matter after his/speech. As to the suggestion to allow one hour to each member he was dubious, amiably remarking that the statement would be so clear that it would hardly be likely to require so much discussion.^ AN ECONOMY POINT. The Public Service Commissioner has announced that' the usual shorthand and typewriting examinations for the public service will not be held this year. Mr Isitt called the Government’s attention to this fact, which is a hardship to a number of pupils who have studied .and paid fees, only to be disappointed at the last moment. The Hon C. J. Parr. Minister of Education, promised bring the matter before the Commissioner’s notice. He thought it would be a hardship if pupils had studied at technical schools for many months and could not secure advantage from their effort. AGE OF CONSENT. A record petition, signed by the Anglican Bishop of Auckland and 10,129 others, was tabled to-day, asking for an amendment of the clamse in the Crimes Act raising the age of consent from sixteen to eighteen. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE. The first protest in the way of petition against the alteration of the Marriage Act of 1920 and the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Act was tabled today. FORESTRY SCHOOL. When will the location of the School of Forestry be settled?'’ asked Mr Witty in the House to-day. It had, he said, been hanging fire for the lasttwo or three years, «md Canterbury people were anxious to know where it was to be. Mr Massey replied that he had not beard anything “-of the School of f orestry since his return, but he would be glad to consult the Ministerial head of the Department. Mr Witty: They would not do anything while you were away. Mr Massey (laughingly): Is that so? Mr Lysnar tabled a question on the subject. He wanted to know if the Government will take steps to establish a School of Forestry in New - Zealand, in order to secure the necessary information for the establishment of the working plans requisite for the successful regeneration of our native forests, and will the Government take steps to secure for New Zealand the services of four New Zealanders who are now oomcourse in forestry in England? If these four men were engaged, and two located in the North and two in the South Island, there would be plenty of scope for them to operate upon, also seeing that the Dominion has practically paid for their education in forestry, their services should be secured for the benefit of the Dominion, in preference to allowing them to accept employment in other countries. CHRISTCHURCH SAVINGS BANK. Mr Sullivan asked the PostmasterGeneral to take immediate steps to extend the accommodation facilities for the transaction of business in the Christchurch Post Office Savings Bank. Owing to the congestion arising from the inadequate facilities provided, much unnecessary delay was caused to the public. This would be intensified were it not for the very efficient manner in which the staff discharged its duties. TIMARU AVIATION AFFAIRS. The Minister of" Defence has been asked by Air Witty whether the report is correct that the Government offered first as a free gift three Avros and two aeroplanes to the Tiniaru syndicate, and afterwards loaned some of them, the value of which was about £IO.OOO, which induced many people to take shares in the company, and whether it is a fact that these machines were condemned by the Government and oilier officials as unfit for service?