POLITICAL NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9790, 13 October 1917, Page 8

POLITICAL NOTES

PUBLIC WORKS ESTIMATES OVERWORKING THE PAROCHIAL PUMP. Tho debate on tho Public Works Estimates in tho House of Representatives yesterday gave members a long-waited-for opportunity to work tho parocnial pump. Tho harder they worked, the more tho punyp groaned, for it lacked tho oil of finance and of labour. . Warnings to this effect wero uttered by the Minister for Public Works, but members paid no-heed, in reply to his cry that the cali on finance was more urgent for war purposes, members said tho small sum of money available for public works could be used to more advantage. Tho reply to the alternative cry of the shortage of labour was that labour could, be secured if the proper steps were taken. A strong and urgent plea was put m for more attention to roads and bridges in the backbiocks. The debate continued through the latter portion of tho afternoon and throughout tho evening. ajr hornsbyYTaugh. To the soft accompaniment of gurgling laughter from the member tor Wairarapa, Air A. Fi. Glover opened his speech on the Public Works Estimates last night. Mr Glover Halted indignantly, and asked Air Hornsby whether ho was going to speak—if so ho would sit down. Air Hornsby laughed louder, whereupon Air Glover sat down. Mr Speaker interrupted with the remark that if he sa.t down Air Glover would lose his right to speak. Air Glover immediately rose and proceeded. Observing that Air Hornsby was still laughing, ho remarked caustically that “the hon. member may smile, but in that smile might bo treachery.” Air Hornsby’s laugh gurgled ou, and Mr Glover appealed to the Speaker for protection. “Is tho hon. member for to run this country?” he asked. “He caused great trouble the other night. (Laughter.) I pray that he possess his soul in silence awhile.” Here Mr Hornsby’s laugh sounded out louder than ever, but then died away altogether when Mr Glover challenged Air Hornsby to come to Auckland Central and contest his seat with him. HAWKE’S BAY BILL. Sir John Findlay has given notice of his intention to move in committee certain amendments to the Hawke’s Bay Rivers Amendment Bill. -New clauses are proposed to he added to tho hill, giving additional leasing powers to the Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board and tho validation of existing leases by tho hoard. ABOUT AIONEY. “Popularity is easily gained when it is with other people’s money. it is tho easiest thing in the world for a Government to be generous. iho Government that is economical will very soon become unpopular.” —Some epigrams made hy Sir Francis Bell in the Legislative Council yesterday. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF COAL SERIOUS SHORTAGE IN VICTORIA. AIELBOURNE, September 28. Further instructions op tho use of fuel, gas, and electric current will become operative from next week. So short is tho available supply of coal that the Minister _ for the Navy (Mr Cook) has determined that on three days only in the week will the use of power be allowed for industrial purposes. This may necessitate the closing of many factories on these d'aye, if not altogether'. Gradually, but surely, the strike in Victoria is Tweaking down. The unions ore ready to comprctcoiso freely; but the employers find themselves obliged to go slowly in re-engaging men on account of tho shortage of coal. A considerable number of union carters and drivers sought employment tq-day, and signed the necessary application forms. Many had been in one place of employment at the time of the Strike for long periods up to 20 years. Tho* hope was expressed in union cfrclos to-day of early settlement of the trouble as regards tho timber trade. Maltters were again quiet at the wharves, whore 28 ships were worked by 1134 men. MINERS FOR NEW SOUTH WALES. AIHLBOURNE, October 1. Arrangements are being made to send another party of miners and mine-hands to the coal-mines in New South Wales, which are being worked for the Victorian Government. Three hundred men have already been sent away, and others are urgently needed. Reports to hand concerning iho first contingent are very encouraging. Seamen are being engaged at the" National Bureau for the colliers for the transport of coal from Newcastle to Alelhoume. To-day 1046 men were working on the waterfront, twenty vessels being handled. The timberworkers resumed at those yards in the metropolitan area to-day in . which they were not asked to- sign the employment application forms to which the members of tho union object.