POLITICAL NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1917, Page 7

POLITICAL NOTES.

am. JENNINGS' ACTIVITY; Mr. Jennings (Taumarumn) to asfc the Minister of Education, when does tho Government intend to establish an institution in the North Island for mental defectives—cducablo eases? (Note. —Tha two institutions of this character that ■are established arc in the South Island, and are understood to have no room for .further admissions. Further expense, ■loss of time, etc., would bo saved if an institution* were provided in the North Island). Mr. Jennings to ask the Minister of Education, Whether, in view of the pressing need for a custodial institution being established for the confinement of low-grade feeble-minded children and adults and those cases which are not considered suitable for mental hospitals'; the Government %ill take the necessary steps to provide such an institution? (•Noto.—ln tho interests of tlm State ■and of these unfortunate people there jslould be a State institution where they could *bo protected and taken life-long cars of. Parents of such people experience great anxiety and difficulty in looking after them in their homes). 'Mr, Jennings to ask the Minister of 'Education, Whether he will take steps to increase tho number of school medical

inspectors so that the scope of this work, the national Importance of which is beyond measure, may bo extended and a iarger number of children, especially in country districts, J way reteive attention? (Note. —There are only six medical inspectors, and they are able to do, comparatively speaking, only a few fjchools and certain classes). Mr Jennings to move, That there be laid before this House a return showing, —(I) The number of convictions recorded during th# past five years for slygtog selling In the various Courts in the Rohe-Potae, otherwise iknown as the King-country; (2) the amount received in fines during the same period; and (3) tho number of applications recorded in the same period at the various Courts for supplies of liquor sent in to tho district. Mr. Jennings to ask the Prime Minister, Whether, iu the event of any alteration in the present licensing laws cf this Dominion, he will give an opportunity to the residents of what is known as the Rohe-Potae to decide by a poll of qualified electors the question of ;state or municipal control of liquors, and that such decision be affirmed by a threc-fifthi majority of the votes cast

Tor tho proposal? (Note.—Tli,k present unsatisfactory position in the Kingcountry calls for soma drastic change, as liquor in great quantities enters tho district, and practically there is so control. It is well known the sly-grog selling is prevalent, and Magistrates and policemen are unanimous that some control is iiMcsaarv. State control is advocated in Groat Britain by Lloyd George and other distinguished statesmen, and the RoheI'otno is a district where the system could well be tried).