POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17840, 12 October 1929, Page 8

POLITICAL NOTES.

ESTIMATES CONSIDERED. POSTAL APPROPRIATIONS. RESTORATION OF SALARY CUTS. (Times Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Friday. Almost the whole of to-day’s sitting of (he House of Representatives was devoted to the consideration' of the Estimates of the Post and/Telegraph Department. The discussion centred ma’.niv on the question as to whether tne “cuts” in salaries should be restored, and a Labour amendment seeking to achieve that object was put forward. However, on an assurance being given that a slatement on the subject w.ndd be made by the Prime Minister (RiglH Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) when lie returned to the House, and that an opportunity for discussion would then be afforded, the amendment was withdrawn. The vote for the department was passed after a long discussion, and then in contradistinction the House rapidly passed the Estimates appertaining to the Prisons and Pensions Departments. The House - unexpectedly rose an hour before the normal time. THE rangitikei seat. MR GLENN NOT TO CONTEST. MAR TON, Friday. Addressing a representative meeting of Refonn Party supporters last evening Mr W. S. Glenn, formerly M.P. for Rangitikei, announced that lie did not ini end lo contest the seat at the next general election. A motion expressing regret at ins decision and recording appreciation ol Mr Glenn's services during the nine years lie represented Rangitikei was carried. MARRIAGE AMENDMENT. WELLINGTON, Friday. The Marriage Amendment Bill, introduced in the House of Representatives by a private member, Mr H. G. R. Mason (Labour —Auckland Suburbs), was passed by the Council todav. The bill validates a marriage to a deceased wife’s niece or to a deceased husband’s nephew. TRANSPORT LEGISLATION, WELLINGTON, Friday. The Minister of Transport (Hon. W \. Yciteh), replying to a question intimated that the Transport Laws Amendment Bill will be proceeded with. POST OFFICE POLICY. WELLINGTON, Friday. “I said when 1 took over the portfolio that I would run the department in a businesslike maimer, and 1 have endeavoured to carry out that policy right through,” said the PostmasterGeneral, the lion. J. B. Donald, m the House to-day. Mr. Donald said he would discharge his duties without fear or favour to any -political party. The department was out for service, and not for profit. Mr W. Lee .Martin (Labour —Raglan) : Some of your officers are not of that opinion. The Minister; We will have to bring them to that opinion. RELIGION IN SCHOOLS. DILL AGAIN ADJOURNED. WELLINGTON, Friday. Further discussion took place in the Legislative Council to-day on the second reading of the Education Amendment Bill, introduced by the Hon. G. M. Thomson, with the object of initiating a system of religious instruction in public schools. The Hon. L. M. Isitt said it was the duty of the State to see that the whole development of the child was catered for in schools. Both moral and ethical teaching should be given, and he was not satisfied that that was being done. He accepted the bill on the principle that half a loaf was better than no bread, but Le insisted that if it. proved unsuccessful parents should have the right to express their further opinion concerning it at a fixed date. The debate was adjourned.