POLITICAL NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1547, 17 September 1912, Page 6

POLITICAL NOTES.

A BONE OF CONTENTION. An Opposition member, who. was spoken to' yesterday, expressed tlio opinion that tho one measure likely to lead to a prolonged debate and struggle of parties during the present session; wns the Land Bill, .which the Government is to bring down'at the end.of the present week, or early next week. The Oppositionist remarked that the Land Bill was expected to contain not only relating to the encouragement, of small settlement, but others relating'to the conversion into freehold of the land for settlement leasehold lands. These last proposals were certain to be strenuously resisted. ' THE DEFENCE BILL. The Defence Bill is now. undergoing final revision,-and .the- Hon. Jas. Alien (Minister- for Defence) hopes to.submit it to .the •House, of Representatives this week. MILITARY TRAINING. ; Tho present system of compulsory' military parades, so far.as 'it' concerns the country' districts, is to be materially altered. In these districts men will be allowed io substitute f0r.20 .week night drills four extra days in camp, immediately the .regular, camp. No pay will be given on these extra days. . .

THE WEEK'S PROGRAMME, The House will go >iuto Committee ;todav on the .Land and Incomo Assessment Bill.' Before the Bill comes up for consideration, the Prime.Minister will make a statement to the House of tho Government's intentions concerning Parliament Buildings. The Estimates will be further considered. on. Friday..' , .