POLITICAL NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 87, 29 August 1912, Page 4

POLITICAL NOTES.

FARM LABORERS. ; By Telegraph—Own Correspondemt. Wellington, Last Night. Recently the member for Mataura (Mr G. J. Anderson) asked the Government whether it would take into favorable consideration the question of the emigration of farm laborers from Great Britain to New Zealand, and, if possible, provide the same facilities as are at present in force for the emigration of domestic servants from the Homeland. In reply, the Prime Minister to-day stated that this question has already been considered by the Government and discussed with the High Commissioner before his departure from New Zealand. The High Commissioner stated that such a reduction of fares in the case of agricultural laborers would probably have to be made, and said that he was informed that if, on, inquiry in England, lie found that it was necessary Parliament would be asked to make provision accordingly. In reply to another question, the Prime Minister said that the Government had been advised that the third class berthing accommodation for farm laborers upon the vessels trading from the United Kingdom to New Zealand 'had been secured for the next few months in advance. The new High Commissioner lias been requested to inquire into the matter upon his arrival in London, and to advise the Government in regard to the position. IMPERIAL OFFICERS. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. Allen) to-day denied that any Imperial officers had been brought from Home and given seniority in the New Zealand staff corps, as is suggested. The Imperial officers- in question have come from Home on active and temporary engagement, which expires in 1914. They, have nothing to do with the New Zealand staff corps, and have, therefore, no seniority in it. Their pay, in the case of the officers referred to, is the same as that of senior captains of the New Zealand staff corps. NURSES FOR THE BACKBLOCKS. The Minister of Public Health (the Hon. R. 11. Rhodes) informed Mr. Wilson this afternoon that the Department is doing its best to provide district nurses for the backbloeks, and efforts made by settlers in this direction are being met, especially where settlers' show their desire to' obtain a district nurse in a practical way. by guaranteeing a certain sum towards her salary. THE TEACHERS' LOT. The Government fully recognises the smallness of the provision made foi widows of contributors, both in the teachers' and in the public servie* superannuation schemes," said the Min« ister of Education (the Hon. James Allen) to-day, in reply to a question by Mr. Witty. "At the same time it should be remembered that further concessions cannot be given without reducing the present benefits or affecting the stability of the funds, or increasing the burden on the consolidated revenue, which is already very considerable.