THE MINISTERIAL CAUCUS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 16 October 1901, Page 4

THE MINISTERIAL CAUCUS.

“ Slaughter of the Innocents.”

[oup. PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER ■ Wellington, October 15. A ministerial caucus was hold this morning, about forty members being present. The question of the business of the session was fully discussed, and it was decided that some thirty-three bills be slaughtered, including the Young Persons’ Protection, New Zealand University Act Amendment, Land and Live Stock Auction, Fair Rent, State Fire Insurance, Discount Stamps, Rating on Unimproved Values Act Amendment, Products Export, Orchard and Garden Pests, and various bills standing in the names of private members,

The bills, which are to be proceeded with, include the Education Board Election, Cook Islands, Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards, Old Age > Pension Amendment, School Teachers’ Salaries, Maori Lands Administration, Licensing Act Amendment, and Railway Servants’ Superannuation.

There is also to be an amendment ot the Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Act in the direction of allowing mortgages to remain secured and exemption of casual labour.

A discussion took place on the Federal tariff as it applied to New Zealand products and trade.

The Premier explained that full particulars would be laid on the _ table of imported products of Australia, ■which would be brought under special review. They were refined sugar, fruits, timber, coal, Australian wines, oils, salt and furniture. The Premier laid special stress on coal, sugar, fruits and timber, especially in respect to making large concessions in favour of sugar refined in the colony. The caucus were assured by the Premier of the estimates being finished this week. There was nothing to prevent the session from ending by the first week in November.