POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 216, 8 October 1903, Page 2

POLITICAL.

TARANAKI MATTERS. FEB PBEBS ASSOCIATION. Wellington, October 7. The following Taranaki matters were dealt wi'h on to-day's supplementary order papers. HIGH SCHOOL LEASES. MrE. M. Smith asked the Minister of Education when vhe Government wili ;ratitrp(iress tn the Boai d of Qovoi n'irs of the N w Plymou h School by • eturuing to them site value of certain iioprovbuieo's from them and handed over to tenants f thi B mrd.

Mr Seddon said the land in quas'riou was dealt with by Aon of Parliament, tnd the relationship between the Bo.trd dud i'.s ieaants was materially altered thereby. The Board petitioned Parliament, but did not obtain the redress sought. Th<3 matter was now before the Law Courts, and the Government could not interfere, but when the lir.ijation is ended it will be a matter for ■"he Government to decide what steps, if any, should be tak-w. Parliament ■wis responsible for the present ai'untiun and not the Government. NORTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY. In reply to Mr Jenmnps, Hon. HallJones announced that the Public Works Department hoped the line from. Poro-o-Tarao to Taumaranui will be handed over to the Railway Department early in December next. A DOCTOR FOE THE NATIVES. Mr Major asked the Native M inister whether he will appoint a doctor of medicine to attend to all members of the native race from Hawera to Parihaka.

Hon. J. Carroll replied that this was a matter that required some consideration. There was a large native population in the district mentioned, and to afford adtquute medical attendance to all natives on the West Coast would probibly coat a considerable sum. Moreover, many of th.j natives on tho coast were interested in reserves administered by the Public Trustee, and it was.only reasonable that where they are able to afford it they should contribute something towards the cost of medical attendance. He w> tild, however, make inquiry into the matter, and if any reasonable pan could be devised, he will be glad to comply with the request of Mr Mh j >r.