Political

Western Star, 16 August 1912, Page 3

Political

Tho Minister of Railways was asked by Mr Myers whether it was his intention to make concessions in the railway passenger fares for children, allowing those under five years of ago to travel free, and those between tho ages of live and fourteen years to travel at quarter rotes. Tn reply, the Minister said: My investigations' into the matter indicate thai it would cost some thousands per annum to introduce the system of carrying children up to five years of age free, and those between tho ages of live aud fourteen years at quarter rates on the railways of the Dominion. In these) clr/'.HnVtances it is not proposed to make •inv concession in the direction indicated. THE WEBSTER CLAIMS. The Prime Minister informed Mr Harris that "Webster's claims against the New Zealand Government have not been settle.l, and are now included in tho

treaty of arbitration known as the Pecuniary Claim Convention, which was entered into between Great Britain and tho United States of America on tho 28th April, 1912. Tho hearing of the claims is expected to take placo at an early date. MATERNITY. The Minister of Public Health (the Hon R. H. Rhodes) informed Mr Braduey that inquiry is being made and reports are being obtained with regard to the working of each maternity homo. When the.se have been received it will bo decided what further steps it will be advisable to take in order to supply full information with respect to the general management of the Homes, and particularly with respect to the allegations that have been made lately. against the management of the Home in Auckland. SAWMILLERS' GRIEVANCES. WELLINGTON, August 14. Tho sawmillers of Southland are again petitioning the House for redress of their grievances on the grounds outlined last year. As is well known, their plaint refers to the validity of their licenses, and the fact that at tho present time a large tract of 5000 acres is being held as virgin forest and not worked by the owner. It is alleged that he now holds possession of all the accessible milling areas. Tho petitioners ask for an enquiry and an amendment of the law to meet their requirements.