POLITICAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 5966, 3 August 1912, Page 3

POLITICAL.

GAMING BUI/. Mr Uimter gave notice of his intention to introduce a Gaming Act 11110 Amendment Bill. LOCAL GOVE.LINMIf.JST. Replying to a question tabled by (he Hon. G. M. O'Kourke, the lion. Mr Bell said it was >x>t ,tho intention of the Government to proceed with a Bill to amend the system of local government, as proposed by the last Administration. He was, unable to say that there was anv prospect of the Government reverting to the system of provincial councils which was abolished in 1875. THE DEE.EXOE 'QUESTION. Mr Isilt asked the Prime Minister whether he would .give the House) an early opportunity for discussing the whole question of defence. In reply, the Hon. Air Massey said thero would il)e an opportunity (or discussion when the Financial Statement was laid before Parliament. The estimates would afford another opportunity, and so would the Imprest Supply Bill at the ond ot each mouth. If those opportunities were not sufficient the Government would take the rqquest into favourable consideration. THE SHEEP FLOCKS. Tho interim return of sheep shows that on Apri)l 30 the number of sheep in New 'Zealand was 531,D1M less than 0 n the same date last vear. The decrease was attributed to the shortage of nearly 20,000 breeding ewes' last season as compared with the previous year, with its corresponding decrease in the number ot lambs produced, which was further accentuated by a smaller lambing than in the previous season. The only districts in whioh there have been increases are Auckland (13,557) and Otago (19,690). The total decrease in tho South Island was 335/730, anil in the North Island 196,264. The Hocks of the Dominion now total 2-1,4)64,132 The export of mutton during tho 12 months was 1,918,119 mutton carcases (decreased 61,415), legs and pieces (decreased, (75517 cwt.), and lamb carcases 3,035,783 (deceease, 672,085).