PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2168, 26 August 1907, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY.

Press Association. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. LANDS AND SURVEY. After midnight on Friday the Department of Lands and Survey, total vote £186,101, was agreed to unaltered. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE The next class taken was the Department of Agriculture, total vote £139,693. Mr. Okey asked if imported bones and manure were properly sterilised before entering the colony. Mr. Ale Nab explained that every p recant ion was exercised to see that none of the imported bone cargoes were' admitted unless they were certified to by the departmental officer at Sydney or Calcutta, and farmers could rest) assured that cargoes hearing these certificates were immune from anthrax. In reply to a question Mr. McNab stated that the Department would send the Department’s publications to any farmer who would supply the Department with his name and address. It was hoped in a few years to be able to supply farmers with bulls reared on the State farms, and imported stallions would be available for farmers throughout the colony. Mr. Herries pointed out the apparent anomalies in the salaries paid to officers of the stock department. He also inquired about tlie stock and veterinary department and the alleged difference which (in consequence of a circular issued by the Minister) was a good deal discussed last year. Mr. McNab states that the work of the two departments had been clearly defined. The veterinarians were not required to do what might be termed police work. The new system had worked without a hitch of any moment, and he failed to see why it should not do so. The differences in salaries were more apparent than veal. Tho officers appointed as inspectors were chosen for their particular fitness for the position. Mr. Massey urged that a. bonus should be given for a solution for destroying noxious weeds. Mr. McNab said a Noxious Weeds Bill would be brought down this session when tho matter could be fully discussed. The Department of Agriculture total vote, £139,693, was passed unaltered. Progress was reported, and the House rose at 3.10 a.m.