NEWS AND NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1220, 31 August 1911, Page 7

NEWS AND NOTES.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL. Mr. Anderson asked the Government "whether they intend to introduce n Local Government Bill this session, 50 as to comply with the promise made by the Prime Minister during the session of 1910?" The reply was: "A Local Government Bill will be circulated this session." The subject camo up during the afternoon sitting yesterday, when thn Local Bills Committee reported adversely on the Mount Hutt County Bill, which proposes to create a new county in the Ashburton district. Several members spoke in deprecation of the tendency to cut up existing counties and make smaller ones. The Hon. .1. A. Millar (Minister for Railways) <~,i,l that a Local Government Bill drafted by Mr. T. F. Martin was introduced somo years ago, but was not gone on with bccauso so many small local bodies cried out against being abolished. Members would'probably suon have an opportunity of discussing local government proposals of the Government. An amendment to refer tho report back to the committee for reconsideration was carried.

CIVIL SERVANTS' PRIVILEGE. 31 r. Sidey asked whether the Government line! derided that in future Civil Servants on their retirement slmll not receive three mouths' leave an full pay— a privilege which Civil Servants have hitherto, enjoyed; and. if so. for what reason the privilege li-id been withdrawn i The reply was that no decision had been arrived at on this question, each case, being dealt with on its merits, and with due regard la the provisions of Hie Civil Service Act. TILE T MAKING. In reply to n suggestion by Mr. Laiiren<=on. who said that valuable clay deposits suitable for lile-niaking hnil boon recently discovered on the West Coast (if tho North Island. Ihe Hon. R. M'lunzic stated that inquirie.- are being made, and. if the reports received appear to warrant an endeavour Itciiig niado to introduce this manufacture, the question of the Government granting a bonus will be favourably considered. THE HINE COMMITTEE. ( Mr! Hine asked tho Prime Minister, "Whether the Government intend to bring in legislation this stfsion for the purpose, of carrying into effect the recommendation of the Special Committee relating to the allegations of the member for Stratford?" The Prime Minister replied:—"The matter is under consideration with a view to the legal advisers of the Crown deciding whether the existing law and Standing Orders 'sufficiently protects Parliament against any real conflict between a member's duty and his interests, and if tho Government, is advised the existing law is insufficient for the purpose definite legislation will be introduced to provide that protection." SALE OF WINE. An allegation made by a deputation to the Minister for Justice that wine made in the North of Auckl-.u! was doctored was mentioned by Mr. Marnier in Parliament yesterday. Tie asked whether the Government would take stepe to have all wine manufactured in the Dominion analysed so as to prevent the sale of inferior wine. In reply, it. was stated that the suggestion would be considered, and that legislation is to be introduced tftis session to regulate the sale of New Zealand wine. ' MODEL BY-LAWS. The Minister ■ for Public Works stated in reply to a question by Mr. Okey, in Parliament yesterday, that tho question of framing a series of sets of model bylnws for the use of local bodies has been under consideration for some time, but that there is some doubt r..=s to whether the advantages gained would bo sufficient to justify the expenditure of time and trouble in. preparing them. . REPLIES IN BRIEF. Air. Buchanan's suggestion for enabling country settlers to borrow funds through the local bodies for the purpose of constructing telephone lines as in Canada is being inquired into.

At the request of Mr. Hardy the Government is to consider an amendment to the Dog Registration Act. enabling shepherds and niusterers to register six sheep dogs instcad'of three at the reduced fee. Questioned by Mr. Ro?-s, the ActingMinister for Lands stated that the Government will consider the advisability of amending Section 39 of the Valuation of Land Act, 1908, in the direction r,' securing to Crown lessees the full benefit for loan purposes of improvements effected on their sections. Entailed estates aro very rare in New; Zealand, and thero is no reason to suppose that the system will over become widely used. There is not sufficient time to introduce and deal with legislation on the subject this session.—Ministerial reply to Mn Massey. The Hon. G. Fowlds has been negotiating with the South African" Government to effect an exchange of Maori manuscripts now in tho Cape Town Pub-lic-Library for South African manuscripts in the Auckland Public Library. Ha ■•hopes something definite'will bo dc.no during the next session of the Union Parliament. The. Prime Minister replied to Mr. Jennings that the matter of inquiring into tho methods of tho, Colonial Mutual Assurance Company, in regard to tontine policies lias been under consideration, and great difficulties have been encountered in suggesting an effectivo remedy which, in the circumstances, would require to bo retrospective. The whole question of dealing with tho sand-dunes and areas affected by sanddrift will be considered by the Government at an early date, and an endeavour will be made to have Dr. Cockayne's report discussed by the House this session. The Inspector-General of Hospitals will visit Whangamomona next summer, and inquire into the medical requirements of that district, where Mr. Hine suggests that a cottage hospital should be provided. The question of suburban railway fares is being carefully considered with a view to ascertaining whether they can be more conveniently adjusted.