POLITICAL

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1895, 26 October 1918, Page 3

POLITICAL

Air E. Newman (Rangitikei) has given notice to ask the following questions: — To ask the Prime Afinister whether he will at an early date make a statement regarding the purchase of Now Zealand wool by the Imperial Government and the distribution of the same in England; and also indicate approximately the date on which the surplus profits of the 1010-17 dip will he available for distribution amongst shippers, anil Die total sum likely to be so disbursed I To ask Die Prime Afinister whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made by Dr. Alnrshall, in an address to the Workers’ Educational Assoeialion, with regard to Die extent, condition, and value of the Westport coat mine; and, if so, whether he will take steps lo have the statements then made inquired into, and, if verified, will he consider the advisability of conserving Dio coal from (his mine for national and military purposes? [Note. — Speaking on the occasion referred to, Dr. Marshall is reported as slating that the fate of the Pacific- may one day depend on the supply of Westport coal, which, at the most, is very limited in quantity, and which is being wasted. The merits of Westport coal are well but not sufficiently known. It is the best steaming coal in the world, and the ship which has it can do 2 knots an hour more than the steamer which uses (he next best. The supply is strictly limited, and at present is being used for wrong purposes, and in a wasteful manner. Upon the possession of the Westport coal mines the mastery of the Pacific may one day depend. He thought Government action should be (alien at once. In his opinion, the Westport coal mines should be resumed hy the Government, and the coal conserved for national purposes, and, at any rate, its use rest riel od.] To ask Die Alinistcr of Internal Affairs whether it is (he iidcnlion of the Government lo place (he sum of £1,400 on Die estimates for the Royal New Zealand Society for Die Health of Women and Children (Blanket Society) in order to enable Die society to carry out obligations which were incurred, with some exceptions, with his approval and on the understanding that if the society col-ccled from Die public the sum of £B3 (is 8d that a subsidy of £IOO for each nurse would he provided by Die Government? To ask the .Minister of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce whether he will at an early date make a statement regarding the new agreement entered into with the Colonial Sugar-relining Company for the supply of sugar for the current year; and whether, in his reply, he will state the price at which sugar has to tie supplied during the period covered by the agreement, the duration of the new agreement, and the estimated financial result to New Zealand when compared with rates for sugar in Australia ? To ask the Prime Afinister whether, in view of a statement made hy the leaders of (ho National Government on the Kith August, 1017, to a deputation from a Farmers’ Conference on shipping, to Die effect Dial the Imperial Government were preparing a scheme whereby regular services and uioderalo freights would he ensured -when Die Imperial control of shipping was removed, any discussion took place at Die Imperial Conference; and, if so, what Die proposals of the Imperial Government are, or, failing the formation of any scheme, how far is Die New Zealand Government prepared to assist farmers and farmers’ companies in establishing, maintaining, and controlling a line of steamers of their own in which to carry (heir produce to Die world’s markets? SEATS AND SYMPATHIES. Some curiosity• has been evinced as (o bow Labour members would arrange themselves for Die lights of the session. In Die old Cham her, Alcsm's Ye itch and Hindmarsh wore somewhat detached both in sympathies and seals from Alessrs Webb, Af’Comhs, Payne, and Walker. In Die new Chamber the Labour members have grouped themselves on Die cross-benches on Atr Speaker’s left. Messrs Hindmarsh and Veil eh occupy a hack bench. Alessrs Fraser and Holland have a bench immediately in front with a vacant scat between them, and in front again is Air Walker with a vacant seat beside him, which will probably he, taken hy Air Payne when he arrives. Air Smith is to (he left, and at the rear of the Labour members. His position would appear to indicate that he is in political sympathy with the Labour Party, but not an actual adherent.—Post.