POLITICAL.

Waikato Times, Issue 12181, 16 September 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL.

SESSIONAL NOTES.

THE FINANCIAL DEBATE

(By, Telegraph—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON. This day. The financial debate will* be resumed on Thursday afternoon, and islikely to last the whole of next week. THE MOKAU INQUIRY. It is practically certain that the Mokau enquiry will fee concluded early next week. Two departmental officers—Messrs Kensington and Fisher—are to be examined when the enquiry is resumed on Wednesday and probably Joshua Jones will also make a •statement. It is unlikely that any other witnesses will be called. MR ISITT'S OVERCOAT.

Mr Isitt has found his overcoat. The important discovery was made in the Prime Minister's rooim. It seems that Mr Isitt went into the room with a deputation and bis overcoat and came out with the deputation alone. IMPORTED BUTTER.

A return presented to Parliament shows that in the last five years only £11) 4s has 'been paid in duty on butter imported to New Zealand. In 1906 the duty paid totalled £2 IBs, and i n 1908 £7 Bs. In 190'7 1909 and 1910 no duty was collected'

TE AROHA NATIVE LANDS

A number of natives from the Te Aroha district have interviewed the Native Minister, and Hon. Ngata with the object of selling the fcalance of their Te Aroha township Lands to the Government. Legislation will be necessary to do this and the Ministers who were approached will bring the matter 'before Cabinet.

"THE SILENCE OF MR MASSEY." In concluding his remarks in his Budget speech last evening Mr Russell (Avon) said he had a question to ask Mr James Allen. In the Southland Times Mr Allen had declared thalt if Mr Massey had wanted to be a member of the Government he could have been one several years ago, 'but stood to his party and remained firm to his principles. " The idea was that by a junction of the Government and Opposition parties a united front would be presented to Labor. This statement, continued Mr Russell, ,h, a d been cabled to the Prime Minister in England, who bad- replied that it was without foundation. He had never heard of it. Mr Massey had been present ait the meeting at wbfcch 'this statement had been made but no denial had yet been given it by the Opposition, "I now ask Mr Massey," said Mr Russell, "what authority Mr Allen had to make that statement which has had a straightout denial ? I imay say that if Mr Massey had come over to the Government, I woidd have withdrawn from that aide." (Hear, hear). Sir Joseph Ward said that no such promise or suggestion was ever made. Mr Massey remained absolutely silent. TAUMARUXUI SEAT. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) TE KUITI, Saturday.. Mr James Boddie, Mayor of Te Kuiti. has definitely withdrawn his candidature in the Opposition interests for the Tamanarunui electorate at the general election owina; to pressure of private work a nd local public duties. At a meeting of local supporters in Te Kuiti the withdrawal was received with regret. Mr C. K. Wilson, of Paemak, was adpoted as the Opposition candidate, and has consented to standi. Mr Wilson bought the late Mr N. I. Hunt's place, and came from Palmerston North, where he was a well-known auctioneer. WAITEMATA ELECTION. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Saturday. Mr E. W. Allison has dedided not to contest the Wa.itemata election.