NEWS AND NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 892, 11 August 1910, Page 6

NEWS AND NOTES.

BANK CHARGES CRITICISED. "The private banks have, been altogether too greedy of late years," remarked tho Hon. J. Anstey in tho Legislative Council yesterday, during a discussion on the Hon. J.- Eigg's State Bank proposals. The hon. gentleman went on to'refer to the annual charge of 10s. for keeping accounts. This was, he considered, an unwarranted charge. Another charge which he considered was quite unnecessary was exchange on cheques. These two items helped to account for the enormous profits' of the banks. GAMBLING PETITIONS. The Hon. J. E. Jenkiuson, chairman of the Public Petitions Committee of the Legislative Council, yesterday presented a report upon. 27 petitions dealing, with the subject of gambling. The committee expressed the opinion that certain of the petitions should bo referred to tho Government for its consideration, and found also that a number of the petitions had been rendered informal and irregular for the following reasons:—(l) By bearing signatures on tho back of the petition; (2) By a number of signatures being appended apparently by one person,, which act constitutes a breach of privilege; (3) By being' undated; (4) By erasures being made in, the petition; (5) By a number of signatures being wrongfully attached; THE'PARLIAMENTARY TRIP, There will be a large gathering .of legislators at the opening of the winter show of the Auckland A. and P. Association on Monday next. As already stated, the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) will go north, and the Minister for Education (Hon. G. Fowlds) has definitely decided to travel. Mr. Fowlds will leave Wellington by,.the express on Saturday morning, and will leave Auckland on the return journey on Monday evening. The Hou. J. Carroll (Native Minister) will also visit Auckland,if he can get away. A requisition signed by 38 members of both branches of the Legislature was presented to tho Prime Minister by. Mr. Glover-yesterday asking that a special train leave Wellington on Friday evening to take members to Auckland. The Prime Minister will communicate with the Minister for.. Railways and give a reply to-day. Even if a 6pecial train is not put on, the bulk of those who signed the requisition , will go north by the. ordinary express. _Js . , WHAT MEMBERS WANT TO KNOW. The Minister for Defence is being asked by Mr. Hcrdman when the names of the successful applicants for positions as adjutants in tho defence forces will', be made public. Mr. Okey is inquiring of the Minister for Agriculture whether, in order to enable suppliers :of milk to the different dairy factories to check the tests made by factor}' managers at any time, he will allow the graders at the different stations to test the milk of any supplier on payment of cost of same. , Mr. Herdman is asking the Prime Minister whether, before finally deciding upon the plans and the scheme for the erection of the new Houses of Parliament, he will give the House an opportunity of considering . and. discussing thom. Mr. intends moving, that there be laid before the House a. return showing the. amount of. money paid, to each judge of tho Supreme Court, judge of District Court, or Stipendiary Magistrate in excess of his ordinary salary and travelling allowance, for the five years ended March 31, 1910, mentioning tho purpose for i which each such payment was made.