NOTES FROM THE CAPITAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 March 1916, Page 3

NOTES FROM THE CAPITAL.

jTHE PARLIAMENTARY BUILDINGS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, March 17. Some. increased activity has been noticeable at the new Parliamentary Buildings lately. Brick-laving is proceeding at certain points, and the contractors announce that they arc getting supplies of marble for the 'facing's from the new quarry, which had to he developed after the first quarry had failed to .provide suitable stone. Rut at the present rate of progress the buildings will not be finished for a very long time, and it is doubtful if the present halfhearted method of construction is preferable to a complete stoppage. Parliament is not particularly comfortable in its present quarters, but that is a point of minor importance at the present time. The money that is being spent on the new buildings could be saved or spent on some .more pressing work.

CHEAP EGGS FROM CHINA. The gazetting of the regulation requiring al] imported eggs to bo branded has been followed by a sharp rise in the price of eggs laid by New Zealand liens. . This may not be an example of cause and effect, but local buyers are disposed to believe that the handicapping of the foreign eggs, which mostly come from China, has not been in their interest. There seems to he little doubt that the regulation is going to drive the imported eggs right out of the retail trade. The most hardened boardinghouse proprietor will not venture to place upon the breakfast tahle eggs bearing the legend, ''lmported from China." The kitchens may see something of the Chinese products. 'WAR PENSIONS. "The question of pensions is exercising many intending recruits, who rightly hesitate in taking the step until tbev are satisfied as to the legal aspect of their rights, and the rights of their wives and dependents," siiys the chairman of'the Wellington recruiting committee in a report. ''They want more than an undoubted good intention on the part of the Government. They ask for straight-out assurances to be translated into'an amendment of the Pensions Act." Apparently the recruiting committees in all pnrts of the country are having the same experience in this respect. Men who would make good soldiers ask.what will be the legal rights of their dependents if they themselves fall at the front. They are not content to be told that the Pensions Board will consider the cases in a generous spirit. They have an idea that the generosity of the Board may wane, or may be checked by an economical Government when the war is over.