QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 966, 5 November 1910, Page 9

QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS.

AND. REPLIES BY MINISTERS. In answers to questions in the House of Representatives, Ministers state: — It is intended to pass an amendment to the Public Service Classification and Superannuation Act this session. The Hon. D. Buddo informs Mr. Okey ■that it is not intended too legislate at present on the question as to whether Bible-reading in the public schools may be decided by a referendum of the people. "I regret that T cannot see my way to do so, as a .workable scheme is not possible."' This is a reply made by the Prime Minister to a question by Mr. Sidey as to whether in'relation to the proposed amendment of. the electoral laws, lie Will-consider whether machinery might not be devised to permit of the votes being recorded of persons' unable to attend ,a polling-booth on account of illness. It is not intended (says the Hoii. J.. A. Millar) to make any reduction in' the running-time of the Main Trunk expresses. He adds in reply to Mr.. Lang that the traffic during the holiday season is exceptionally heavy and the trains require the full presem; schedule time to ensure punctuality. Regarding a question put by. Mr. Field it is stated by tlio Prime Minister that as opportunity offers retrenched officers will, be' 'given consideration for re-employment. This is noiv being done wherever possible. It would be recognised tliat the absorption of these officers depends entirely upon the requirements of the various Departments from time to time.

In'reply to Mr". Herdman, who asked whether it was proposed to give effect to the recommendation of the Public Petitions Committee that the petition of Edward Donovan should receive favourable consideration the 1 Hon. D. Buddo says that Mr. Donovan has been employed as a gardener .at the Government Buildings for some years. Ho was retired on superannuation when he was considerably over tlio age of sixtyfive. The question of further assistance on account of personal injuries.is under consideration.

During the recess consideration will, says'the Prime Minister, bo given to the question as to whether legislation should be given 011 the same lines as that brought into force at Homo under which the Crown retains the power of reject-ins; claims to patent rights nnless tli'o articles are manufactured in. the country.

111 reply to Mr. Buick, Who asked that the Land Tax and Income Tax Bill be amended so as to afford relief from the graduated tax to industrial or commercial companies who arc dependent' 011 local capital and are not holding land for profit, but only what is necessary for carrying on their ordinary business, the Prime Minister stated that- if an amendment is introduced next session, as will probably be the case, an opportunity will be afforded for bringing the question forward.