POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 43, 12 August 1911, Page 8

POLITICAL.

MOUNT EOtMONT LINE. In the House, replying to Mr. Pearce's question as to when the line to Mount Egmont quarry will be finished, thu Minister of Public Works replied: It is impossible to say definitely when the tramway will bo finished. 'The work, however, is in progress, and will be pushed on as fast as climatic conditions and other circumstances will allow. OPUNAKE RAILWAY. Replying to Mr. Dive, who asked whether it is the intention of the Government to bring down a Railway Authorisation Rill this session, and, if so, will it include the Opunake branch railway? the Minister of Public Works replied: The Government will consider the question of the introduction of a Railways Authorisation Bill at a later period of the session, when the railway to Opunake will be dealt with, amongst other applications, for the construction, of branch railways. GOVERNMENT DATRY HERD. Mr. Divo asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the small herd of Ayrshire cows recently sent to Moumahiki is intended to be the nucleus of a dairy herd, and, if so, where were they bred, were they selected, or are they a culled lot? The Hon. Mr. Mackenzie replied it was thought by the Department that the establishment of a good dairy herd in Tananaki would greatly assist the farmers in that provincial district, as they are especially interested in the output of butter and cheese. The Government are, therefore, proceeding to carry out that idea. Regarding what has been done", a portion of the present herd has been brought from the State (farm at Ruakura, and some have l>een purchased in the South Island. They are not eiilK Additional strains will l>e added in the near future from Scotland. Mr. Dunlop, a member of tho Scottish Agricultural Commission to Australia., has been authorised to make the purchase, and from his great knowledge of Ayrshire cattle he may ibe, relied upon to send out good stock.

OTL RIC-TITS. Mr. Okey asked the Native Minister whether he will bring down legislation this .session <rivin<j tenants of lands held under the West Coast Settlements Reserves Act the right to grant options for .boring for oil over the land leased by t.hem, subject to the consent of the Public Trustee?

Sir .Tames Carroll replied that if any legislation is brought down the position will be considered, but it must be uoted that oil, minerals, etc.. are excepted from the lessee's interest in the West Coast Settlement Reserves leases. ',