POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 179, 20 July 1908, Page 4

POLITICAL.

In reply to Mr. Jennings the Minister for Public Works refers to a resolution passed at a meeting of settlers in the Manga papa district' suggesting that a trial"survey should he made through the Mangapapa Valley to Manguro.t with u view to locating the Straii'ord--1 Ongarue railway along that route. The Minister states that die recommendations of the settlers will receive due consideration, hut lie adds that the Engiiiccr-in-C'liief has examined a portion of the valley referred to anil scarcely thinks the route suggested would he a practicable one for a railv. 'v. It may he added that when the Loui Mill was being discussed, Mr. Jennings made a strong appeal to the Minister to haw a start made with the line from the northern end.

A return issued to Parliament gives the number of members in each industrial union rgistered under the Arbitration Act to December lilst last for the various districts. The figures are as follows: —Employers: Northern Auckland dixtrir-t tiSll. Wellington district (Mil), Ciinterburv district 12(jti, Otago and Southland districts 813, Taranaki ilisI triet 77, Marlborough district t»:>. Nelson district IS, Westport district 22: total members of 121 t'nions of Kinpioyers, 3fi:So. Workers: Auckland district Itt,000: Wellington district 14.254. Canterburr district !l-i:IH, Otago and Southland 7274, Taranaki district 311, Marlborough district 1112. Nelson district 474, Westland district Hull; total number of 310 Industrial Cnions of Workers 45,(114. The Minister for Public Works has informed Mr. Jennings in regard to the representations made by the settiers at Kawhia for a railway line from Kawliia to the Auckland line that due consider;! I ion will be given to lli:< question when further authorisations are tinder review.