CONDENSED NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16861, 11 October 1922, Page 3

CONDENSED NEWS.

DOMINION SUMMARY. Two hundred and twenty-iive assisted immigrants arrived at .Auckland by the Ruahini yesterday. The removal of the protection of deer in certain districts, cm account of their depredations, has been strongly recommended by the Public Petitions Committee, which considered a petition from farmers i sking that deer be declared 3 pest. The Minister of Lands stated in the House yesterday that it is probable ihot legislation for the purpose of giving Cheviot settlors the option to acquire freehold will be held over this session. An amendment was introduced to the Land Act by the Minister. enabling the expenses of the administration of the Cheviot Estate, to be paid out of revenues from the estate, which is new in funds. An amendment to the Rating Act introduced by the Minister of Internal Affairs renea-ls the existing provision that enables local bodies to charge a penalty of 10 per cent in respect of overdue rates, and substitutes power 1 1 add o per cent to rates overdue three mouths and fourteen days, an 1 nn additional charge of 11) per cent v hen the rates have been overdue for six months and fourteen days. Local bodies may allow a % rebate of n per cent on ates paid within thirty days of due date. « The Scaffolding and Excavation Bill will repeal the Scaffolding Inspection Act, substituting more comprehension powers to control the nature of scaffcldinrrs and excavations. Inspectors arc to be appointed who have had at hast four years’ experience in the election of scaffolding, and who pass an examination in the erection and use of scaffolding and building appliances. A number of other important provisions are contained in the Bill