BORING FOR PETROLEUM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 14, 30 September 1908, Page 11

BORING FOR PETROLEUM.

It Is suggested that we should send engineers to Inquire into the work of boring for petroleum, and I suppose to inquire into the geologists* system of boring into the pockets of those people who bought high-priced shares,” declared tho Hon. Mr. McGowan this afternoon, in reply to a question. He said it was not the place of the Government geologist to go and inquire into matters of that kind. There were private geologists only too willing to do the work, and the companies which wanted them could pay for them. Tho geological staff was fully engaged at present, but an examination in Taranaki would be made when officers were available. Jl Jl POLICE OFFENCES. Tn tho Legislative Council last week tho Attorney-Genera] moved the second reading of tho Polieo Offences Bill. He intimated that two important amendments would be introduced. Tho first would deal with habitual drunkards, making provision for their detention for a longer period than was possible at present. Ho wanted to see the law extended to offences of drunkenness and those arising out of drunkenness. The Salvation Army was doing a noble work in reforming drunkards, and it was proposed to introduce a clause providing for the detention of drunkards in reformative agencies, such as the kind ho had referred to. The second reading of the bill was carried. Jl Jl NEW ZEALAND ARCHITECTURE. In the Legislative Council on Friday tho Hon. T. K. Macdonald moved, "That it is advisable, in the best Interests of the people of the Dominion, that competitive designs should be invited from architects for ail buildings required by the State of the value of £3OOO and over, as not only would the opportunity of employing such designs bo a great incentive to the younger men of the profession, but would greatly add to the beauty and economy connected with the buildings required for carrying on the work of the State.” As an illustration of the need for something being done in this direction, he held up the rough plan prepared for a Governor’s residence, ami warmly criticised it. He declared that the public buildings throughout New Zealand were stereotyped in the extreme. The Government should try to cultivate an artistic taste. He did not suggest lavish expenditure; economy, taste, and ornament could be practised at all times. Very considerable discussion followed tho motion, which was finally withdrawn by the mover. Jl Jl • STATE NURSES. Some important remarks regarding Stale nurses wore made by the AttorneyGeneral to night when the Imprest Supply Bill was in Committee. In the Legislative Council, the Hon. J. E. Jenkinson raised the question of the training o» nurses. He said that the £2O premium charged to probationers entering the State Nursing Homes was a bar that should be removed. The training of nurses should be encouraged in every way-. The Attorney-General said an important question had been raised. The matter had not escaped the attention of the Government. As a matter of fact, tho nursing profession would ho dealt with under the National Annuities Bill. Proposals would be made by the Prime Minister for increasing the supply of nurses in a manner which he would not discuss at that moment. Proposals would also be made by having the services of these nurses given to workers who were not able to pay for sueh aid themselves. (Hear, hear.) The bill, he added, although it would not be passed this session, would shortly be circulated, and the people of the country would be able to fully study its» prov isions. Jl Jl THE END OF THE SESSION. Although the Prime Minister stated his opinion in the House that the business of the session would be over this week, it is generally considered that there is small likelihood of the end being reached before next week. While some members are anxious to get back to their electorates, others show

a commendable desire to devote full time to the business of the House, coupled with a delightful nonchalance of the fact that the elections are near at hand. "Hurry! What n« ••<] to hurry?** remarked one member, "1 have a strong committee working in all parts of my electorate to ensure my return, and there will be plenty of time for electioneering expenses to accrue without displaying unnecessary haste in rushing the business of tho session through in order to get back to our electorates?*