POLITICAL NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 120, 8 October 1912, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.

By Telegraph—Own Correspondent. Wellington, Last Night. A statement has been published that Messrs. D. Robertson (secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department), Mr. W. R. Morris (assistant-secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department) and Mr. B. Hudson (deputy-commissioner of the Government Insurance Department) are likely to be appointed commissioners under the Public Service Bill. This suggestion was specially denied by the Hon. A. L. Herdman ('Minister of Justice) to your reporter to-day. "The matter," he said, "has not even been considered by the Government. " The question of the appointment of commissioners has not been bsfore Cabinet, and will not be considered by the Cabinet until the Bill finally passes the Legislative Council."

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS.

A private meeting of Government members was held on Saturday, when the Prime Minister outlined the business he intended to proceed with. Xo official information as to what was decided on is forthcoming, but Mr. Massey will announce the decision of the Government when he asks the House this week to sit on Mondays. The opinion still prevails that the session will see its end about October -26 or 27.

THE WEEK'S BUSINESS.

The' week promises to be a. heavy one in Parliament. Many Government Bills will be dealt with, and in addition the enquiry by the Public Accounts Committee into the administration of the State Advances Department will be commenced on Wednesday, and the committee sr>t up to enquire into the Mokau case will commence its sittings to-mor-row. The report on the Taupto-Totara Timber Company's petition is due this week, and the Public Works Statement may be delivered on Friday night. In the Council the Public Service Bill should be read a second time on Tuesday, and it is not anticipated that the committee staye will be a troublesome one. Several important Government Bills will be introduced this, week, notably the amendments to the Land Bills and the amendment to the Defence Act. Already it is clear that there will have to be a considerable jettisoning of business if the House is to rise before the end of the month. On both sides there is unmistakable anxiety to see the session ended as soon as possible. Representatives of the northern farming constituencies are specially anxious to get away to their homes as early as possible.

PUBLIC WORKS. In reference to the delivery of the Public Works Statement it is evident that the production of the report is being awaited with the greatest interest by members,, for the rumor has gone round that the amount available for distribution is limited. The amendments to the Land Bill, which the Prime Minister is bringing down, will be sent direct to the Lanas Committee, which now has the Bill under consideration. It is, however, ascertained that they will contain the most important proposals regarding the occupation of unoccupied lands, and particularly the huge area of unoccupied lands in the Auckland province which have ever boon brought before Parliament.