POLITICAL MATTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 165, 3 July 1908, Page 2

POLITICAL MATTERS.

THIS NELSON SKAT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. iNelson Last Might. , Mr Harry Atuiure, n candidate fur the Nolaun City seat, speaking at a meeting to-night denied that he was standing as im Independent Liberal ns had been reported in the press throughout the D°minion. As in previous contests be was going to the poll as a Government supporter. A PREEUOLdIiETUKN. Mr. Okey lias given notice to move! "That there be laid before the House a return showing— (1) The number ol holders of land held under leasfe-iu-ucr-petuity who have applied to make their holdings freehold under the Laud Act, 1!H)7; (2) the number of these holding* that-have been made freehold) the ruturu to show the valuation of the land when taken up, the valuation of improvements, and the price paid by the purchaser.

Settlers will be interested to know that Mr. Witty is lo ask the Minister for Agriculture whether he will see that prompt payment is made to those persons whose cuttle have been condemned bv Government officials.

Mr. Wilford wants the Minister for Lands to say whether he will this «c»-| son introduce legislation providing that all local authorities whose lands have been acquired by the Govcrnuwn* tor workmen's homes shall be entitled to demand from the Government all local rates payable in respect of such lands', prior to the acquisition thereof, in accordance with the promise made by the Minister to a deputation in 1906. Air. Ell is asking for a return showing —(1) The amount in interest paid by the Stale on the £500,000 paid for the 75,000 shares which the State owns ha the Bank of Xcw Zealand for the years ending 1005, 100G, 1007, and 1008. Mr. Major thinks that members will go blind after a. week or two from gazing at the glaring white walls of fine* room where they sit. "Two Taihoa Ministers sitting to gcther," said Mr. J. Allen, on Wednesday afternoon, as he pointed to the HOns. J. Carroll and J. McUawan. "The tirst is the Tainoa Minister for Native Lands, and the other is the Taihoa Minister in regard to Mines," In punning his reference to the last-named Mlnl«-| ter, Mr. Allen said. "We have given him over £24,000 for expenditure on goldliclds, and what has he done with it! lie has got it in his pocket—(laughter) ' —in his Departmental pocket, I mean/' He did not, lie said, know «-hv any-' member should feel constrained in' terms of praise to the assistance gtven ■ to .the mining industry by the Government.

A Licensing Bill in favor of the prohibition issue being deeided on a bare majority is to be brought forward thin session. Notice of a Hill to amend the Licensing Act has been given by Mr. Geor'go Uurenson, M.P. (Lyttelton), and lie brought forward on .Monday tlie first batch of petitions from the New 1 Zealand Alliance in favor of the simple majority method. Both were from Wellington. They contained four hundred signatures. -Mr. Ross, il,f\, intends to ask the

Government whether they will, this session so amend the Government Valuation of Land Act that in future land values as assessed for taxation purposes will be based on what the land is capable of producing instead of sale values as at present, with full valuation being allowed for improvements?" "Land values," states Mr. Ross, "according to Government valuers, are, it is asserted, increasing by leaps and bounds, notwithstanding the low prices ranging for only main products. Improvements are also being shamefully undervalued." ''l consider that the day is not far distant who n there will be a Labor party in this Parliament. . . . The presence of a substantial Labor party is desirable, not only ill the interests ot the workers of the Dominionjbut of the whole of the people of New Zealand."— The Hon. J. Kigg. ',' Hie Government is being asked by Mr. Seddon whether, with a view to enj couraging the timber industry, they are prepared to increase the duty On Oregon pine.