PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2468, 17 August 1922, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

“It is considered,” stated the Minister of Lands (tho I-lon. D. H. Guthrie), in reply to a question askedi by Mr Field (Otaki), “that the best way to project scenic reserves is by Ihe appointment of honorary local inspectors and local scenicboards. All the forest rangers of the State Forest Service have been appointed inspectors under tho Scenery Preservation Act, but, in addition, fifty local inspectors have been appointed whilst twenty-four scenic boards have had powers under the Act entrusted to them. Wherever suitable local residents can be found, other appointments will be made from time to time. In addition, when funds can be provided, it is intended to appoint a salaried Dominion inspector to exercise general supervision, and in tho meantime tho various Crown lands rangers keep an eye on the scenic reserves in their district as far as their other duties permit.” The effect of borrowing by local bodies was referred to in the House recently by Mr E. Newman, who asked the Minister of Finance whether, in view of the low rates at which money could now be obtained in London, he would discourage local bodies from putting large loans on the local market, thus absorbing money which would otherwise bo available for "investment on mortgages. The Prime Minister’s reply was as follows:—“This matter is receiving consideration, but local authorities would bo placed at a considerable disadvantage if restricted to any particular market. The advantage of borrowing abroad when terms arc favourable is well recognised by local bodies, several of whom have already raised large sums, both in London and in Australia.” Tho Minister of Education, replying, agreed that there should be more opportunities for Maori and pakeha children to gain training.in farm and industrial callings. All that was possible was being done as far as the financial conditions would permit.