POLITICAL NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 982, 24 November 1910, Page 6

POLITICAL NOTES.

MR. HINE'S CHARGES. It is stated that tlio report of tho committee which has been investigating tho various charges made by Mr.. J. 13. II ilie, M.l\ for Stratford, may be submitted to tho Houso of Representatives to-day. WHAT NEW ZEALAND WANTS. "What is wanted in New Zealand is legislation which will promote land settlement and inspire the settlers with confidence." This was a sentiment to which Mr. Massey gave expression in the House yesterday. Mr. Massey went on to say that in regard to Land Bills the further the AVard Government went tho ivorso it fared. Sir Joseph Ward should, ho continued, leavo land legislation alone until after next election. By that time lio hoped- there would he in power a party which understood the principles of land settlement much better than tho party at present occupying tho Treasury benches. "My answer," replied tho Prime Minister, "is that'if tho Opposition party adopted the same methods in power as they have adopted out of power Heaven help tho people of this country!" In the course of further remarks Sir Joseph Ward said that the Opposition had never been responsible for a singlo pieco of constructive policy. Mr. Allen: How many of our suggestions have you collared? (Laughter.) ■Mr. Buchanan (to the Prime Minister): Your nest Land Bill will be entirely Opposition. Sir Joseph Ward: You must recogniss that you have proved a bad prophet in the past. (Laughter.) MR. MASSEY ON THE IMPERIAL CONFERENtE. Referring to the forthcoming Imperial Conference, Mr. Massey remarked in tho House yesterday. 'that, he did not believe tlio Now Zealand representative should go to tho conference as a delegate. The representative "of New Zealand should, in his opinion, have a free hand. (Sir Joseph ■AVard: Hear, hear.) Mr. Massey added that he also believed that nothing agreed at at the, conference should bo given effect to until it was ratified by an Act of Parliament in New Zealand. "1 hope," said Mr. Massey, "the conference •will prove of great benefit to the Empire and New Zealand." A PROTEST. "I wish to protest against the way. in which Ministers treat members," remarked Mr. Pea'rco in tho House yesterday. Mr. Pearce said that there were 31 questions undei\ discussion by members. Yet only one Minister was present. This was the Hon. J. ■ Carroll, whose Departments were affected, by oiily one question on tho order paper. Tho complaint was greeted with a chorus of "hear, hears." • Subsequently other Ministers'returned to the Chamber. "EXTREMELY LOYAL AND PATRIOTIC." A good specimen of the parish pump 'question, which' Ministers of'tlio Crowii aro called upon to answer on' demand from the representatives of tho people, was given <in the list of questions asked yesterday. The query in question was put to the Primo Minister, and reads as under:—"Will the Government .arrango that warships should visit Port Chalmers more often, than ■ they have . done hitherto?" The question states'in a noto that "the residents of Port Chalmers iiro extremely loyal 'and patriotic, and feel grieved at not having the opportunity of allowing their 'Sons- of the bull-dog breed' to visit and inspect tho boats and men that assist in ruling tho waves."