QUESTIONS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 186, 13 July 1883, Page 2

QUESTIONS.

Hon. Major Atkinson, replying to Mr O'Callaghan as to keeping public roads clear of gorse, Road Boards having no snfficient power, said provisi n for t]iis purpose would be introduced into the Counties Amandiuent Act. Hon. Mr Dick, replying to Captain Mackenzie as to samples of paper made at the Mataura paper mills being as eood as the imported article, said satn* plea had lately reached him which were a great improvement on what he had seen before, and if the prices were reasonable, that paper could he used m Government departments. Hon. Mr Dick, replying to Mr Mo^s as to protecting teachers under the Auckland Education Boa?d from iaqui sition as to their Religious beliefs, said the Government might remonstrate as suggested, but the Government might tnen be charged with overstepping the bounds of their authority. The Board bad no power to compel teachers to answer such questions. He hoped the Board would not insist on this course ot excessive interference beyond their legal powers, Hon. Mr Dick, replying to Mr Hutchison as to advertising the annual statements of Mining Companies, said steps wouid be taken to see that th« law was duly complieJ with. The Minister was glad that bis attention had been called to the matter. NOTORIOUS CRIMINALS. Mr Bracken asked the Minister of Defence if he would issue instructions to the police authorities to exercise vigilant watchfulness at the vaiious ports of the colony, m order to prevent James Carey and the other P cenix Park mar« derers and informers from landing here. Hon. Mr Bryce was afraid there was no power m law to do what was requested. Tae hon. member no doubt considered he (the Minister) was of very autocratic disposition (laughter) ; but this was a matter beyond him. (Laugh* fer.) ABSCONDING HU3BAND3, Mr E. fthaw asked, withont notice, whether Governm-nt intended to bring m a bill for the arrest and punishment of husbands deserting their wives m the colony. Hon. Major Atkinson said it was in-* tended to brim; m such a Bill.