POLITICAL JOTTINGS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1924, Page 1

POLITICAL JOTTINGS.

"PEOPLE’S WATCH-DOG." "The Gnvermneiit was looked upon by the people as their watch-doy in the matter of timber prices; and it was asleep, there was no protection,” remarked Air (!. AY. Foi-hes tllurunui) in the House of Representatives. A Labour member: It is dead, (l.auyhtor). Another Labour: It is too old. It has no teeth. {Laiiyhter). Air Forbes: It is not functioning; hut ] don’t know with what disease it is airlifted. (Laughter). THE SPOUT 0E RACING. Gaming petitions continue to drifti tto Parliament.. Recently two petitions praying for the licensing of bookmakers were presented, and almost immediately afterwards there eame one protesting against any extension of gambling facilities. JINIOB HIGH SCHOOLS. Mr J. A. .MaePliersoii (Oamarul asked a cpirstion in the House respecting the establishment of junior high se'-nejs. lie wanted to know if the Minister Ii r Education would hold over tin- establishment of these schools until the whole (|iiestinn was senrchingly invesliyated by a committee consisting of representatives of Parliament, primary schools, secondary schools, technical schools, education hoards and university or college councils. The Minister did not answer the C|Ui-sli;in riyl t away, and said he would d-i so if the (picstion were idaccd on the- order paper. CRIMINAL TRIALS. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr 'l'. Al. Will'ord) asked the .Minister for Justice whether it had been brought to his notice that where criminal trials take place the judge had been informed on at least one occasion, to Air Willold’s knowledge, of the police report cm tin' prisoner prior to the charge. Mr Will'ord wanted to know il the Minister would inquire if this was the usual practice, and if so would he stop it oil the ground that the history of the prisoner should go in after the trial and not before it. The lion ('. J. Parr replied he was not aware of what had been suggested, and he added that lie would make inquiries. TRAWLING OPERATIONS. The Sunday Fishing Bill, of wliieh notice was given in the House 1 hy AFr L. Alrllvride (Napier) aims at preventing trawling operation.-, on Sundavs.