LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAPHIC

Western Star, Issue 2087, 22 February 1896, Page 3

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAPHIC

[by electric telegraph.] [pee NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] EXTENSIVE BUSH FIRES. Auckland Alarming bush fires are raging all over the Wbangarei district, the township being enveloped in smoke. Rains fell last night, but had no effect, the fires raging fiercer than ever. Extensive damage has been done to pasture, and much stock has been destroyed, The Slate forest reserve south of Whangarei is also attacked and will be rendered valueless. At Paparoa orchards, pasture, fencing, and houses have been destroyed, and the dense smoko is suffocating the stock.

Tbe Hon. Mr McCullock, M.L.C., leave for Scotland and will represent the Auckland Burns club at the Scottish National Demonstration on the unvailing of a statue of Highland .Mary, A ladies' healthjclub has been formed, and also a cyclist tosring club.

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

Wellington. The Times outlines the Government policy next session, as laid down by the Premier. Laud is to he acquired for workmen’s villages close to large towns and workmen’s trains regularly run. Further land for settlement is required, and will be taken under tho Act, if necessary. Advances to settlers only amount to half a million out of the million and a half borrowed and the Government intend to overhaul the Department and put more vigour into it. In view of the strong expression of opinion at the Dunedin Medical Conference against consumption the law will be made as stringent against it as against small pox. Masters of ships will be made resp nsible. Legislation will also be directed towards conserving the purity of the race by excluding those of lower types and lower morality. A Bill on the subject of Slate Fire Insurance will be introduced and tbe Agent-General be instructed to obtain all information available about the working of the system in Switzerland. The Legislative Council will again bo asked to place clubs under regulation and national prohibition under control of local option, but no further change in the licensing law wiU be attempted. Exorbitant interest is still charged for loans and will receive further attention and as bill introduced for putting an end to distraint for rent. Ministers are also seriously considering the advisability of making provision for second ba'lots in certain cases at elections.