POLITICAL POINTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 263, 13 December 1909, Page 4

POLITICAL POINTS.

CROWN LAND TRANSFERS. A return called for by Mr. A. W. Hogg shows that during the last two years 3431 transfers of Crown laud of a total area of 2,181,010 acres have bee i allowed by the various Crown Land Boa ills. The operations were distributed as follow: Number. Acres. Auckland .. 883 270,375 Uawke's Bay .. 2311 130,014 Tarauaki .. 401 130,482 Wellington .. 055 214,101 Nelson .. .. 70 43,344 Marlborough .. 100 271,85(1 Ucstland .. loi'i 52,288! Canterbury .. 335 374,075 Olago .. .. 305 427,297 Southland .. 272 200,523 THE DKFADOUGHT OFFER. MR. TAYLOR AND MR. HOGG. Wellington, Friday. A persistent attempt was made by Mr. T. E. Taylor yesterday to click from Mr. Hogg a full confession of the circumstances by which the Cabinet was induced to agree to the Dreadnought oiler. Mr. Hogg liad stated in reply to Mr. James Allen that he agreed to it because it was represented that a very grave emergency liad arisen, and if the same representation was made he would do the same thing again. Mr, Taylor said it would be very interesting if Mr. Hogg would tell the House what the evidence was that was brought before the Cabinet, to justify this vote on the occasion. Were there any documents or cablegrams from the King' or Mr. Asquith or any member of 'the British Ministry which suggested a grave national crisis? Or was there simply a general conversation initiated by the Prime Minister. He did not suppose that the Prime Minister had any objection to Mr. Hogg taking the House into his confidence to that extent.

Sir Joseph Ward: Let's get on with the Bill.

Mr. Taylor: Yes, I dare say. Sir Joseph Ward: He can't tell you what takes place in Cabinet. Mr. Taylor: "I don't sec why the Star Chamber should be able to cover all its tracks by saying that its secrets are inviolable." He wanted Mr. Hogg to say what evidence was»brought forward by the Premier. Did the King cable out to say the Empire was in trouble? Were all the members' of the Cabinet very decided?

The Prime Minister: What reply did you get from Mr. Asimilh? Mr. Taylor said he had never regretted sending his telegram to Mr. Asquith. If the Prime Minister had gone to Ctiristchiu'cli after lie scut the telegrams he would have found what was the real opinion of the country on the Dreadnought question. Cfiristchurch was the only city where public opinion had expressed itself. Seven out of nine people in Chiistcliurch had been entirely opposed to the violent action taken. Iff he did not speak lie might die and take the record with him. "Let him tell us' now," urged Mr. Taylor dramatically, "before he dies." (Laughter.) Mr. Hogg remained as silent as the grave.