POLITICAL NOTES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15954, 24 October 1919, Page 7

POLITICAL NOTES.

Asked in the House by Mr McCallum (Wairau), whether he would, upon the demobilisation of every officer of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, insist that the use of the military title thertofore bold by him shall be discontinued? Sir' James Allen replied that no officer who had been demobilised from Die New Zealand Expeditionary Force had authority to use the military title of the rank ho held in that force. The only title he was authorised to use was that of tho rank he held in the New Zealand Territorial Force should he continue to terve therein, on the active reserve or retired list.

INSURANCE OF WORKERS DWELLINGS.

“Iniquitous* ’ was tho term applied byMr G. Witty (Riecartcn) to a proposal to increase the charge for insurance of workers’ dwellings by 30s a year. Mr Witty drew the Prime Minister’s attention to a circular sent to occupiers of workers’ dwellings, stating that the increase was on account of tho increased cost of materials and buddings, which would involve a heavier charge in replacing any dwelling that might be destroyed. It was proposed to date the increase back to Ist August, and occupiers had been given, only twelve days in which to object. The Prime Minister said the matter had not been brought under his notice. Ho asked if the extra charge was on account of increased cover. Mr Witty; It does not say bo. Tire Prime Minister said he would ask for an explanation from the head of the Department. HOLD-UP OF STEAMERS. Tire reason for Australian steamers being hold up for 24 hours after inspection was sought by Dr. Thacker on Wednesday. Was rt done by the Health Department or the waterside workers? It seemed useless from tho health point of view, as the passengers were not inspected again, and it caused groat inconvenience and loss to passengers. The Prime Minister said he had not heard of this recently. He would refer the matter to the Minister of Public Health. FROZEN AND FRESH MEAT, On the question of meat prices, Dr. Thacker (Christchurch East) has given notice to ask the Prime Minister whether he will instruct tho Board of Trade to inquire into the matter of butchers charging from 9d to Is 3d per lb for meat from tho Imperial Government supply as if it were recently-killed meat; and whether he will cause these shops to show by placard that the meat is frozen, and that it be charged for accordingly. PRICE OF TEA. A reported prospective advance in tho price of tea up to as much as 4s was the subject of a question by Mr W. H. Field (Otaki). Ho suggested that the Board of Trade should renew its activities in this direction, as it had a ckeo relation to the cost of living. The Prime Minister said the increase was only a rumour, hut he would have it inquired into. Ho had heard that there was a shortage of the tea crop in India,