MINISTERIAL REPLIES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 868, 14 July 1910, Page 6

MINISTERIAL REPLIES.

ON VARIOUS POINTS. In reply to Mr. Newman, the Prime Minister states that ou receipt of a report, tho position as to the rate of freights on the Wanganui Biver will re- ■ ccivo the careful consideration of the Government. The Prime Minister has informed Mr. Massey that no instances of candidates or their supporters desecrating the Sabbath by holding political meetings on Sunday had come under his notice, but if legislation on the question was warranted, he would favourably consider tho matter. Air. Okey is informed by the Prime Minister that 25 barrels of crude petroleum won from the bores in the Taranaki district would be forwarded to the High Commissioner's office, in order that it might be brought under the notico of the Home naval authorities. It is not possible. «t the present tlmo (replies tlie Prime Minister to Mr. Herdman), to arrange for the whole of the Crown law work of the Dominion to be transacted by the Crown Law Office in Wellington; but whenever legal work, arising in Iho other centres, can bo conveniently transacted by the Crown Law Office, it will, on the grounds of economy, be entrusted to the office. According to the Hon. T. Mackenzie. the Crown lands to the west of Mastertou are periodically inspected, and hare been successfully dealt with by poisoning this season. On the last inspection only a few indications of rabbits were observed. As for tho necessity of inbbit-proof fencing, this is being erected by settlers between their own properties to protect themselves from one another. In replv to representations made by Mr. Buiclc, the Hon. .1. A. Millar stole's that considerable alterations and improvements were made to Palmerston North railway station a year or two ago, and the desirability of providing further accommodation at that station is also uuuer consideration. Jn replv lo Mr. M'Laren, the Hon. J. A. jMillal (dates that the Crown lias no legal liability under the AVoikers' Compensation for Accidents Act in respect to workmen employed on Statu co-operative contracts. The Government, however, lias not set up any plea of non-liability, and does not propose to do so, as, in all i-ases of aeddent-i, elaimmit> are paid an amount equal to what they are entitled lo under tho Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act. In tho cases of railways and public buildings, compensation is paid to workmen, and is debited to the vote for the construction of the work on which they were engaged. In the case of road works, compensation is charged lo a special vote in the appropriations. In reply to tho Hon. A. K. Guinness, the Prime Mimstei ban it, set up a I'uyal Commission tn inquire into the rent ila lion of mines and the health nnd safety of underground niinern. ' Tho Government has promised Mr. Guinness that legislation will be submitted tins session regarding the tenure under which the lessees occupy the Grcvraouth Native •Keserve.