POLITICAL NOTES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 406, 21 October 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

RACING LEGISLATION

WHAT WILL BE DONE?

Mr Jennings, the promoter of the Bill to give back to country racing clubs some of the permits they have been deprived of on the recommendation of the Racing Commission, asked the Prime Minister in the House on Wednesday what is likely to happen. He wanted either the commission to make its amended report at an early date, or for an opportunity to be given to the House of considering bis Bill. Mr Jennings stated that he travelled with a member of the commission last week, and became convinced that there was not going to be any report this session. He did not wish his Bill to be debated, but he hoped the Government would allow the House to vote upon it. Sir Joseph Ward: I informed the questioner on two previous occasions that in the event of the Racing Commission's report not giving effect to what was suggested, or making any recommendation, that the opportunity would be given to deal with this Bill, and I propose to keep my word Mr Jennings: lam quite satisfied. He asked if the chairman of the commission was in some part of the world where it was difficult to communicate with him?

Sir Joseph Ward : I don't propose to answer that question.

SUBSIDIES ON MAORI RATES. Replying to questions by Messrs Macdonald and Greensluda on Wednesday whether the Government would subsidise rates actually paid by natives to local bodies, the Prime Minister stated that he would look into the whole matter. About a couple of years ago it was decided to abandon that system, but he was convinced that there was a great de3l to be said in favour of its restoration. The matter would be looked into within a dav or two.

NATIVE POLICY MATTERS

Sir John Pindiay's references, in hi 3 Parnell speech, to the- desirability of placing the .Maori in the same, position as tiie European in regard to the duties of citizenship and the use of the land, were taken up the oilier day by an Opposition member of til" ! louse, who asked if they represented the policy of the Onvernment. The Prime Minister stated that t>'u* Jotiu J' ificJiny was addressing the people 1:1 hi." capacity as a faudirJate. and was expressing his own persona! opinions.