POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1853, 6 September 1906, Page 3

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE FINANOIAL DEBATE.

(Special .to Times,) Wellington, last night.

The Finanojal debate, which had been expicted by many members to last for some three weeks, came to an unexpected termination this afternoon, Mr Hogg took his full hour in speaking to 6paraelyfi'led benches, and as no member rose when he sat down, the Premier was called upon for his reply. Had the debate extended over this evening it would in all probability have been kspt going for a fortnight at least. Several members bad intended to give the House the benefit of their views, but in the expectation of a lengthy debate they allowed themselves to be oaught “napping.” More than one member was absent from his seat this afternoon, gathering material for a speech to full galleries this evening. Their ammunition, however, will now have to be reserved for anothor occasion PREFERENCE TO UNIONISTS.

Mtmbers on the Government side of the House are, I hear, being sounded as to their feelirgj towards a statutory provision for compulsory preference to unionists. The Minister for Labor, as I informed you a few days ago, ha 3 already indicated that a measure embodying soma form of preference is to be brought forward. Toe card, it is stated, is now being pricked on a straight out preference ticket. A prominent Labor member informs me that there is little likelihood of a majority of members supporting the proposal. HABITUAL DRUNKARDS BILL.

Tho Habitual Drunkards Bill which is being introduced by the Minister for Justice, provides that after a certain number of convictions have been received against a person he shall be recorded a habitual drunkard, the Court may have power to commit him to such institutions as tho Salvation Army Homes or othersuitable places for certain periods Should they leave such institutions without the authority of the Court tho police will be empowered to rearrest them, and bring them before the Court.

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS,

The Minister for Lands to-day stated he intended to classify A. and P. societies into senior and junior grades, giving them annual grants of £25 and £lO respectively for the purpose of establishing small experimental stations.