OUR POLITICIANS.

Northland Age, 18 October 1904, Page 3

OUR POLITICIANS.

CLOSE SEASON FOR NATIVE OR IMPORTED GAME. Mr. A. L. D. Eraser (Napier) asked the Colonial Secretary, Whether it is proposed to have a close season for native or imported game for the coming season? (Note.—The necessity for an immediate and definite reply is evident, as merchants are compelled to forward their orders to England for ammunition, guns, etc., at once.) The Hon. Sir J. G. Ward (Colonial Secretary) replied, It is not contemplated to have a close season next year—l9os— either native*or imported game for the whole colony. BANK-NOTE ISSUE. Mr. Ell (Christchurch City) asked the Premier, Whether the Government will take into consideration the advisability of taking the necessary stops to enable the Government to assume the sole right of bank-note issue ? The Right Hon. Mr. Seddon replied, Closely allied to this question, and not less important, is the issue of State or postal notes, having behind the same bullion reserves, on the lines adopted in Canada. The Government will be only too pleased to give the subjeot matter of the question that consideration which its importance deserves. CARRYING INDENTURED LABOUR. Mr, Herrios (Bay of Plenty) asked the Commissioner of Customs, Whether it is true that the " Countess of Ranfurly ” has been employed in carrying indentured labour for a private firm between certain of the Pacific Islands ? The Hon. Mr. Mills (Commissioner of Trade and Customs) replied, There is a short period each year—the hurricane season—during which there is very little work for the schooner in the Cook Group. A Melbourne firm made a satisfactory offer to the Resident Commissioner for the employment of the vessel during that season, which he accepted as a matter of ordinary business. OPERATIONS IN THE AUCKLAND HOSPITAL.

Mr. Baume (Auckland City) asked the Government,—(l) Whether it is true that the number of operations in the Auckland Hospital in 1902 was more than double the number in 1901; (2) whether the mortality following abdominal operations in the Auckland Hospital during the last six months has been exceptionally high; and (3) whether, if the answer to the foregoing questions be in the affirmative, they will cause an investigation to be made into the causes thereof ?

The Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones (Minister in charge of Hospitals) replied, From figures supplied by the Chairman of the Auckland Ho- ; tal Board, a comparison of the operations performed in the Auckland Hospital gives a negative answer to the hon. member’s question. The figures for the last six months compared with the corresponding six months of last year show that there was an increase in the number of abdominal operations, and a greater increase in the percentage of mortality resulting therefrom; but tlub is stated to he out account of serious nature of the formed. H