POLITICAL NOTES

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18423, 2 July 1925, Page 8

POLITICAL NOTES

(srECIAL TO "THE PRESS.") WELLINGTON, July 1. The Retort Direct. In his speech on tho Ad Iress-in-Reply debate today, Mr Holland spoke at considerable, length on tho land question and land mortgages. Towards the closo of his remarks on this subject Mr Lysaar, the member for Giaborne. interjetted. "What's' your remedy?" Mr Holland: When Labour walks on to those benches —the Government benches —we will put the euro in the form of a Bill. Meantime, the lion. member had better confine himself to the meat question. (Laughter.') If, later on, he should come back to this House—which Hod forbid—(.laughter) —lie will have an opportunity of facing this land question. The Liberals and Fusion. Tho first of the Liberals to take part in the Addrcss-in-Ueply debate was Mr T. K. iMdey, who spoke this afternoon. Mr yidey was listened to with considerable curiosity, in case he touched on any subject that has been made controversial by recent negotiations. The veteran Liberal, however, played for safety, and was even less interesting than usual. Apparently there will be no punch from the Opposition benches while fusion remains ''in the air." Boys in Government Printing Office. Mr McKecn. the Labour member for Wellington South, raised a cry of "boy labour" to-day. He asked if the Minister of Labour was aware that boys < ■ 14 years of age were employed in tho Government Printing Office between o p.m. and 1 a.m. The Minister replied that ho was not aware of it. and if such a thing was happening, it was not being done for tho sake of economy. It had been the practice for years p..st to call for volunteers for copy-holders at the Government printery during the session. Two wcro required recently, and volunteered. -Ir Mclv'eeu had said that the boys were it years of age, but he (the Minister) was not aware of that. However, if such was the case, the boys would be withdrawn. Precautions Against Anthrax. In the House this afternoon, Sir George Hunter drew attention to tho fact that there had been an outbreak of anthrax amongst cattle in Nev ►South Wales, and asked the Minister of Agriculture if he would take active and immediate precautionary nieasurca to prevent the introduction of tho disease into New Zealand. The Hon. W. Nosworthy replied that every precaution in the direction indicated was being taken by the Department of Agriculture. Manures and other importations likely to carry the disease were sterilised and there was an absolute prohibition on tho importation of cattle from-New South AVales. Every precaution that conM be taken was being taken.