Political Notes.

Manawatu Herald, 30 November 1897, Page 3

Political Notes.

m Mr Piraoi told the Minister that there was an instance in the neigh* botirhood of Wellington where a telephone bureau had been established in the house of a private in dividual without any guarantee or contribution towards the expense. The Premier said he would make enquiries. Mr Bucranan is of the opinion that the Customs Deraraeit wan jut like the Spanish inquii tion— something fearful and wonderful — and the sooner they realise the necessity for a obange in the system the better. The Premier when in the first hotel in Melbourne found that New Zealand fish took pride of place. MrMonk told tot house that it was a flotation of the Treaty of Waitangi to prevent the Natives gathering oysters. Under that Treaty their fisheries were conserved to them. The total oo9t of the steamer "Tutanekai" was about £87,000 and Mr Massey pointed out that thip iteamer had thus cost nearly £80 a ton, while they were bni'diap steamers at Belfast at from £l 6to £20 a ton. Mr Monk expressed bin opinion that an outrageously high price had baen paid for her. Speaking on the Charitable Aid tote Mr Buchanan said it was nothing ihort of a disgrace to the government and parliament that tUa question ihould have been allowed to drift into it* present posihioo.