NEWS AND NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 632, 8 October 1909, Page 4

NEWS AND NOTES.

PUBLjC, SECURITIES.'. lAmong the papers laid before both Houses , yesterday was ono relating to the public socuri- , ties held in the Dominion and in England as . on March 31 last.' It showed that the securing ™ld in the Dominion amounted to , £20,185,151,'. including ,£7,617,091 belonging to , the Post.Office, .£2,952,781 to the Government Insurance"'Office, .62,834,672 to tho Public Trust ; Office,, AUB.OII to the Government Advances , to Settlers Office, .£482,548 to the Government Advances to Workers Office, j8134,150 to tho . c ™JSJ ls «oners'of public debts sinking funds, ■poop to the State Fire Insurance; £1,310,865 to, the .Treasury. The securities held in London totalled .£0,318,049, made up of .£1,622,584 belonging to tho Post Office, .£025,900 to tho 1 i Il rnn Sl? nt Insurance Office, and £1,069,565 i to tho Treasury. , DOMESTIC SERVANTS. i It.will be reraombored that during the short session a largo number of petitions bearing, some thousands of names were presented . urging tho Government, to take steps to.cstabi ash a, system of immigration from tho United Kingdom for single young women of good .nealtn and character, who are suitable for and willing to follow tho calling of domestic !" v »l • Yesterday two additional petitions !?.■ J* 8 , s r a JJo end were presented, ono by Mr. Field, M.P. for Otaki,' and'the other by Mr. Buchanan, M.p. for Wairarapa. THE RAILWAY. SERVICE.' A claim for official recognition of the Hailway Engine-drivers', Firemens', and Cleaners' society is the prayer of three petitions-one each troiu Chnstchurch, Methven, and Biccar-ton-prescnted .to Parliament yesterday. The petitioners state-that; considering the importance both to life-and property- if their occupations, they are of opinion that thoy should oe able.as a body to approach the Government and state their desires with regard to status, rates of pay, and other matters 'without boing tion. lhey bad been informed, however, that SL? nuL'' n ' and Conciliation' Act places a legal barrier in the way of this being done though in <no other respect were nf*iVifV'l 1 , y ""ants..under the operation nLi i Ac " I 1). S'lPPoft. of their request for official recognition, tho petitioners further pointed out that in every other English speak 'S 6 .^ ""°,% inl ';««*»*«<» was granted' ,n!nn „ €DBlne - driTe !' 6 ' firemen's, and cFeancrs' oVntWi,?" "»"™ s a'>°n fParato from those of other, branches of tho State railway service.. ';, NORTH AUCKLAND, RAILWAY. „On behalf of a large" number of settlers of the counfaes o£ Otamatea, Whangarei, Hobson eard to r - fh Man(ler -Presented '.a- petition in rel, w i j ?,' P r °PS- B ed deviation of- tho ■' Northfn^ 1 l nd ( u Main .. T . rullk -railway. 'It was set forth by the petitioners that tho proposed do nation would make, the lino longer, and also more costly of construction. Then, again if tne Hue were constructed as originally laid off a much greater population and i far frnnn" f ? uan?,t y, "f "t,qck would be serve" Upon the understanding that the railway would bo put down along tho original route many people had been" induced to settle on tho. lands in its vicinity. One .result of tho deviation would bar the necessary construction of at. least two largo bridges, and blocking the navigation of one of the largest navigable °m l n A ho dlstn <*-, Another disability would bo the necessity of. constructing a considerable length of branch railway lino to reach■:. Pukckararo Mountain, which would thus increase the cost of getting metal for road purposes. ./The petitioners asked that a Eoyal Commission be constituted to make inquiry into the proposed deviation. ■■■ ■"..' , '". ORDER OF BUSINESS. ■ In reply to n question, the Prime Minister stated in the House,, yesterday,, that tho debate on the.Address-in-Ueply -would be com.menccd pn,Tuesday. next.-..-. IVday,' committees would-be set up, and if the Leader ™f the Opposition was agreeable, the Imprest Supply ■ Bill could also, be brought down to-dayj Be saw no reason why tlinl-should not be done,' matter 0 ' mth ' Ut ' : ° n th « ■' >■■;■:.■ ."'-.-■ LOCAL BILLS'. :^'-,^ trlrt^l i io ? \f nmdo: -by' Mr.'-iMalcolm-!-(Christchurch), in thorHouse yesterday that there should bo two Local Bills Committees this; year.- 'He stated that 'no commi tfee%ll6a'' more witnesses than the Local; Bill's Committee; and-, owing to tho advanced, period' of-tho' year witnesses would have to ■■ bis away from their ! names; at great disadvahtog'e: : ; .He thought that if their inconvenience could be lessened by the appointment; of two committees it* should bedone. The. Prime' Minister'said ho'would be' glad to consider the suggestion. He would like, to look into the matter before'giving-a'definite answer;' . ■-. '.■/■-';■ '■-'-■ . ..-■ ■ -.-',;■ >:.;-.-. .-.;'■"': a 'company's grievance! "-~ '. The grievance which' tho New-Zealand Far-; mers' Co-operafivo Distributing Co.; Ltd.; has against the Stato Conl'Department is tho subject of a petition which-was presented yesterday. Briefly, tho company claim that they mo unable to let certain premises in Victoria Street owing to the existence of a serious nuisance- in the form of una coal dust that arises-from tho operations of the Department 1" aa X°, min e. premises. As a result of an action' the. company was awarded . damages' amounting to ,£205 and costs, but the Court decided; that' an injunction could not be ob-tained-against the-Crown. The nuisance, it is alleged, has' not., up to tho' present. been abolished.or abated, and tho company continues to suffer loss to tho extent of-,£455 per year. As tho company is unable: to obtain an injunction,! it has repeatedly, applied to the Minister in-charge of the, Department for permission to institute a. further claim for the continuing damage, but-ihas-been repeatedlj refused. It is claimed that afc tho passing of' the Crown Suits Act: it' could not have been contemplated by the' Legislature that its provisions should afford- protection to tho' various trading - enterprises sincoentered into by tho Government. T.he company alleged.that it has to date sustained, a.loss through tho' nonletting of the premises of. above .£IOOO, "equal to one-fifth, of its entivo capital, and consequently its business- has been, very' seriously hampered. It seeks relief to the extent of the taking over of; tho lease by the State as" from the date of the Supremo Court judgment, December 18, 190S, to : its expiry in September, 1910. or in .the .alternative the granting 'of such an-amount as will compensate the com-H pany for tho actual loss incurred by it.

■-..;■: HAWKE'S BAY HOT SPRINGS. Further, are being made by residents of; Hawke's Bay to havo the hot springs in that distribt opened'up to thepublio. According to a petition presented to the House yes-.' tcrday, the analysis of theVatcrs of the sprmgs v prove that they are equal in quality to any in the Auckland thermal.'district;: The land in question, it is. stated;-belongs to the Govornment, and at present is only carrying abouV 30,000 sheep. If cut up and improved, it would carry at the very least 200,000. '■ Petitioners' claim that if the springs-were conneoted by road with Pultotitiri, a very large iounst trade would, be assured, as- the township is connected with.Napier by triweekly coach.'-• . A TEACHER'S PETITION. ~.: Application for reinstatement to the position of day. school teacher at To Oranga Home', is claimed by Ada ; Harrison,'ofVChristcliurch. She asserts that the Bhow of reason for her dismissal was insufficient. It is claimed by her that sho always" loyally supported the manager s authority and never neglected her'work.' Tho examination reports by school' inspectors proved that her discipline, was good.' Her dismissal without complaint or warning after five years' good service (she says) was arbitrary and. unjust,-and the outcomo of her' evidence" .given at the inquiry, though assured by Commissioner Bishop that it. would not detriment ally: affect her position in tho home. She therefore asked that sho.should be.reinstated either to her • late position; or' that on equal position it some other branch of the Civil Service should bo given" her. ".'■ . CABINET VACANCY. Ihoro is.: considerable discussion amongst members as to what is likely to occur in regard to tho vacancy, in tho Cabinet created by tho retirement of: Mr. Hogg. Names of a number of members, including Messrs. Laurcnson, Guinness, Wilford, and JTield.havo been mentioned; in the' lobbies in this connection. The difficulty,'however, of making a selection that will: prove generally acccptablo may prevent any appointment being made at, tho present stage, und by sonio members it'is thought that no appointment is likely to be made just yet.., The report that the Ron. T.. Mackenzie, was raised yesterday to full Cabinet, rank is drniod by, the.Prime Minister, who informed a DoiiLNloif, representative last evening;, that nothing has boon done up to the present. ■ It is stated that in tho event of thovacant position,in the Ministry being offered to him, the Hon., A. K. Guinness vould be willing to resign the office of Speakei, in order to accept

; RAILWAY SUPERANNUATION FUND. .. Mr. Wilford (Hutt) has given notice of a motion that tho Government, should paj' nnnunlly into tho railway superannuation fund a sum designed to nmko that fund sound and actuarially correct, such annual sum to bo m , a(lo ,Ji.,S nar 8« Against the working expenses. Mr. Wilford believes that tho fund requires placing on a sound basis, and that the Government virtually admittod the present unsoundness of the scheme by raising the rate of contributions when they passed tho Publio Service !,Superannuation Bill. PROPOSED BILLS. ■ I ivn otic ?. ha » J b «ea > Riven of. the foilcwinp Bills : -Mr. r Sidey, New Zealand Local Time Bill; Mr. T Mtt!colm, Tapanul County Bill; Hon. Sir W. J. Steward, Elective Executive Bill; Mr. Herdnian, Public Sorvice Bill; Mr. Sidey, Education Act Amendment Bill; Mr. Fisher. Absolute Majority Bill; Mr.'Hogs, Flour Duty Abolition Bill; Mr. Luke, Wellington (City)' Water Supply Loan Moneys Diversion Act; Mr; Dive, Ormnako Harbour Amending Bill; Mr. Fishor. Sunday Labour Bill: Mr. Laurenson, Beer Duty Amendment Bill; Mr. Witty. Waimari County Bill j Mr. Okey, Kaitake County BUI; Mr.Sidey, Now Zealand Society of Musicians Bill;Ji[r. M'Laren, Marine Accidents Bll M M ."": Hjrdman, Coal Mines Act Amendment Bill; Hon. Sir W. J. Steward, Marriage Act Amendment Bill; Mr. Okey, New Ply. mouth Harbour Reclamation Bill; Mr. Okey, Taranakii Agricultural Society Empowering am; Mr. Laurenson, Licensing Act Amendment Bill; Mr. Okay, Now Plymouth Borough Council and Taranaki Jockey Club Erobango Bill; Mr. M'Laren, Wellington City Milk Supply Bill. APPOINTMENT.OF COMMITTEES.. " ■ Notices were given 'to appointing the" following committees:— Bills (Mr-. Wilf6rd).-Messrs. Field, Herdman, Rhodes, Sidey, and tho mover. „ Standing Orders and Private Bills Committee (Mr. Wilford).—Messrs. Buchanan, Haiian, and tho .mover... . , ■' . •Selection Committee (Mr.- Wilford).—Messrs. Eraser, Lang, T. E. Taylor, Sir W. J. Steward, and tho,mover. '.-.., , ... Agricultural and Pastoral (Hon. T. Mackenzie).—Messrs. Bollard, Buchanan, Dillon-Dmi-can, Hall, Lawry, Macdonald, Okey, Witty, and tho mover. ..•: •■ , Revision (Hon. Mr.. Ngata).—Messrs. Baume, Field, Hanan, Herdraan, Herries, Malcolm, TJecd.i Sidey, Sir W.i J. Steward, and tho mover. .Standing Orders Committee ' (Sir Joseph Ward).—Messrs. Allen, Graham, Guinness, Her-' ries, Massey, Millar, Stallworthy, Wilford, Sir W.' J. Steward; and the mover. Reports and Printing (Sir J. G. Ward).— Messrs. Guinness, Hogg, Jennings, Mander,, Poland, Scott, T. E. Taylor, Wright,,Sir W. J; Steward, and the.mover. ~, , Public Accounts (Sir J. G. Ward).—MessW. Allen, Buxton, Fra,ser,. Graham, Laurenson,-1. Mackenzie, Massey, Rood, Russell, and the mover. . ■ ~'.,. ...

Lands ;Sir J. G. Ward).—Messrs. Anderson, Duncan, Ell, Forbes, Guthrie, Hogg, Lang, Lawry,.Witty, and tho.mover. ■■ ... House (Hon. J. Carroll).—Messrs. Colvin, Dive. Guinness, Hall, Hogg, Newman, N-n----worthy, Pearce, Seddon, and the mover. - :■ Native Affairs (Hon. J. Carroll).—Messrs. To Kangihiroa (Dr. Buck), Grcenslade,; Merries,' Jennings, Koihau,' Mander,' Ngata, 'Parata-. Rhodes, and the mover.' •'• .-,- ; Labour (Hon. 1 J. A. Millar).—Messrs. Arnold, Bollard. Dovey, Glover, Hardy, Luke, M'Lawn, Poole,'-Sir J. G.Ward,and the mover. •"Local: Bills (Hon.. J. -A'^.-'-Millar).—Messrs.-' Brown, Buick, Clark, Ell, Graham, Hogan, Lang, Phillips, Boss, and tho mover.. - Railways (Hon. J. A. Millar).—Messrs.' Arnold; , Brown; Buick, Clark,: Craigie, :Hine, Hogan, Rhodes, Ross,, and tho mover. ' Education: (Hon. G. Fawlds).—Messrs. Allen, Baumc, Hanan, Hardy, Luko, Sidoy, Stallworthyj G. M. Thomson, J. C. Thomson, and tho mover., . ■'■'■■'■■■■. ,'-,' . ■ ''■.: ■ Library (Hon. G. Fowlds).—Messrs.' Fisher, Frasor, Guinness, Hcrdman, Laurenson, Phil, lips, Russell, T. E. Taylor, G, M.'Thomson, and the mover. -■•-.■ , .-. . ; Goldfiolds. and Mines (Hon. R., M'Konzie)!Mcssrs. Anderson; Colvin, J; Duncan, Greonslade, Poland, Scott,. Seddon, E. H. Taylor, J. C. Thomson, and the mover. . •■' '~-. A to,L.(Hon. ;R., Messrs.-Davey, Dillon,' T. Duncan, Fisher,' Hine, Macdonald, Newman, Smith, E.H.-Tay-lor, and, tho, mover. . ''■'■"., ': • Select.(Hon. D. Buddoj.-Messrs., To Rangihiroa (Dr. Buck), Glover, Guthrie,' Malcolm, Nosworthy,, Okey, Poole, Smith, Wright,. r and the mover. .;,.. .■ ~..'■.i.,. , _~-. ./. ..-; Mto Z (Hon. Buddo).-Messrs, Buchanan, Buxton, Colvin, Craigie,: J. Duncan, I'prbcs.-Hogari',' M'Lardn, Pearce, and the' mover. .-. ~,.' i..... . ■ ■;■:,; --NOTICES OF MOTION. '; ;-'-'' Among the notices of: motion which' i>me before the House yesterday wore tho following:— ; '.•..■;. ;.;.,-;■ ■ ■;','■;:.;•;',;.'.• ■;■ > M** 5 *? to' move for' a return sTiowingVV' The total cost totho Stnto of recent' Native Land Commission-; and (2)- the amount paid un <Jer any heading; to each member, of it. Mr. Okey to asko the Minister for Agriculture whether ho will set up a committco of members with power to take evidence, to-in-quiro into the depressed condition- of' the' frozen-meat market, .with. a .view 'of endeavouring to bring forward some scheme fir improving this important industry.' JOTTINGS. . , :■; ■ Members of the Opposition ■ party will meet m caucus on Monday evening to consider-the Government a proposals. , Among'the questions which will"be raised during tho debate on the Imprest -Supply'Bill will bo proposed: deviation in regard to the route of the North of, Auckland railway. ■ .Until now tho Government have refused to appoint Mr. Massey (Leader of the-Reform party) to the Publio Accounts Committee. Its proposal that he should on this. occasion be included in the committee is, therefore, .generally regarded striking recognition on tho part of the; Government' of the ' increased strength cf Mr. Massey's party. ■ r

; Mr. Hogg, who disdained to enjoy the prdiid pre-eminence of a Minister,, at tho expense of his convictions, occupies this session a seat in the back ro'w,*ncxt D. M'Laren, who is no longer the solo Labour member. . Sir'Wiiliam J. Steward (Waitaki), who istho oldest member of the House,, was on his feet with tho first petition yesterday. , Mr. T. E. Taylor (Christchurch North), who has not,been in tho best of health lately, took his teat in tho House yesterday, and assured a Dominion representative, in response to an inquiry, that he was "feeling bettor: every day." ■-. . ."■■...■ Tho address to liis Excellency,' in"■ reply to «r' s T, iU be movcd ia *•"> House by • Mr. bmith. the/new. member for Eangitikei, and seconded by.'Mr. Buxton, member' for, tealdinc, .whilst, in tho Council the mover I of the Address-m-Kcply will bo the Hon. E.' A. Loughnan, .and the seconder will ho the Hon. J. Barr.;, - * ; , ■'■•..■ <