POLITICAL NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 117, 3 October 1912, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

DEFENCE POLICY. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent). Wellington, Last Night. In reply to a question by the Hon. A. T. Ngata as to whether the speech delivered before the Navy League Conference represented the policy of the Government, the Prime Minister this afternoon said: "The Government of New Zealand is at present in <i •minimisation with the Imperial Gover-ment, through His Excellency the Governor, on th-5 subject of naval defence in the Pacific, and the policy of the Government with regard thereto will be announced in due course."

IMMIGRATION. The Government, according to a statement made hy the Prime Minister this afternoon, in reply to Mr. A. S. Malcolm, said that the matter of immigration would be one of the first subjects enquired into by the new High Commissioner on his arrival in London. Nothing could be done till the receipt of the report.

THE IRON INDUSTRY. The Government has still under consideration the offers of the various companies with regard"-to the development of the iron industry in New Zealand.

TERRITORIAL CAMPS. The Minister for Defence was asked by Mr. Malcolm this afternoon whether he would amend the defence regulations so as to provide for a fortnight's camp for the Territorials, instead of the week's camp and frequent other parades at present insisted on? Where considered more convenient, replied the Minister, it is proposed to allow Territorials in country districts to undergo training in camp for four days immediately preceding the annual seven days, in lieu of twenty attendances at drills. An amendment to give effect to this will be made in the defence regulations.

HOUSE PROCEDURE. The Prime Minister states that he will be glad to receive suggestions for revising the procedure of the House, and refer the same to the Standing Orders Committee.

SHIPPING AND SEAMEN. In regard to the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1910, and' as to whether it has received the Royal assent, the Minister of Marine to-day said that no notification had yet been received that the Royal assent had been given to the Act referred to. In fact, no communication appears to have heen received from the Imperial. Government regarding the Act. Steps are being taken to enquire as to the present position of the matter.

IRON INDUSTRY. In the House this afternoon the Hon. R. McKenzie (Motueka) asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intends to submit any* proposals to Parliament this session with a view to assisting the development of the iron and steel industry of the Dominion. The Prime Minister replied that the offers of the various companies or syndicates with regard to the development of the iron industry in New Zealand are still under consideration of the Government.

Mr. R. McKenzie, discussing the subject at a later stage, contended that the reply was most unsatisfactory. The question was evaded. This was a very important matter. It had been before the Government now for many years, and he thought that the time had arrived when something should be done.