POLITICAL NOTES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17664, 13 September 1919, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

(By Telegraph—Special to Chronicle WELLINGTON, September 11.

CONCERNING HIDES,

Mr. Wilford. is asking the Prime Minister whether he has read the Press reports of a statement made by Mr. W. J. Poison at a meeting of F6r- rt dell farmers recently, when he (Mr. Poison) made; according to the Press, inter alia, the following statement in reference to hides: "It was quite evident that bootmakers were not getting the benefit, but the tanners were reaping a rich harvest at the expense of the farmers and public- All damaged hides were discarded at' the sales, and it Avas an open secret that many small butchers were purposely slicing and damaging hides, as the damaged ones brought higher prices than those, fixed by the Board of Trade for best hides." Mr. Wilford asks the Premier to have an immediate inquiry made into the statement, and inform the House and country of the result of his inquiries. SHIPPING PROFITEERING. Mr. Pearce is asking the Minister whether he has taken any steps on behalf of the New Zealand Government, or in conjunction with tho Imperial Government, to prevent large shipping combines charging the producers of New Zealand excessive freights on their produce shipped to England when the commandeer ceases. Mr. Jennings has given notice of his intention to ask the Minister of Mines whether he. is aware that r.n Australian syndicate is negotiating for'the purchase of the Parapara iron ores and iron sands ©f Taranaki, and, if this is corregt, what steps will he propose for securing these valuable rights for the people? He points out that some action is neces sary, as the, State has assisted these works at various times. A GRATUITY QUESTION. "Give them a gratuity!" suggested Mr. Ngata, when the Prime Minister I was commending the work of the Industries Committee. "Place it oh the Estimates."

"I have no doubt that when the Estimates come down the House will do the right thing," said Mi\ Massey. *

"Eight per cent, of the revenue," suggested Mr. Ngata, evidently thinking, of another gratuity request (or demand).

"I am not sure whether the hongentleman was not a member of the committee," said the Prime Minister, becoming suspicious.

"I just missed it!" replied Mr, Ngata.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 12. BUTTER EQUALISATION. Mr. Wilkinson (Egmont) present(ed five petitions from dairy comi panics for d' refund from the Con- | solidate'd 'fund of the difference between local and export price of butter. . THE COAL-MINING DISPUTE. Mr. Holland (Grey) gave notice (to ask the Prime Minister if he j would call a compulsory conference [of parties to the coalmining dispute; if he will take immediate action to prevent the mine-owners putting into operation their threat to increase the price of coal; and if, in the event of the conference failing, he Will give the House an opportunity lof adopting the'reeoniineudations of the Industries Committee for*, the nationalisation of the mines. RAILWAY REFRESHMENT ROOMS. Mr. Wilkinson (Egmont) arrived) in Wellington by train on Thursday night. To-day he asked the Minister of Railways if he would take steps to see that extra assistants are employed at Paekakariki railway station refreshment,rooms to cope with the rush upon arrival of the mail trains. One gathers that many went thirsty on Thursday. ' STATE SHIPS. "The time will come when we will be able to buy ships or build them," remarked the Prime Minister in the House to-night," although I don't think that time has arrived yet. I think it would be very unwise for us to attempt to purchase ships now. Shipping is improving, but while I am not going to hang back i if it becomes necessary to have StateI owned ships, I think we should not attempt anything on .a large scale." In speaking on ships, he added, "I am not referring to vessels we may need to carry the coal supplies of the country. MINISTER OP DEPUTATIONS. From the remarks of the Prime Minister in the House to-day, it would appear that there is need for the creation of a new portfolio—the* portfolio of deputations. Mr. Massey web asked by a member when the next answei-s to questions would be brought down, and he said so many deputations had been waiting on Ministers that they had been unable to deal with many matters awaiting their attention. Mr. Witty: You ought to fix regular days.

Mr. Massey replied that would be j an ideal way, but unfortunately it! was not possible. Deputations comj. ing from great distances must be heard.