WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 November 1918, Page 8

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

FISH, FRUIT, AM) .VEGETABLES.

BUSINESS OP PARLIAMENT(By TelSgraph—From Our Parliamentary Reporter). Wellington, Niov. IC. Tho Government is preparing additional regulations intended to prevent the exploitation of tho public in connection with the sale of lish, fruit, and vegetables. The regulations were made necessary by the rapid, and often unjustifiable increase of prices since the epidemic began. Tiiey will be issued almost at once. The course of business In Parliament nest week is still rather uncertain. Ministers wish to proceed with tho work of the session in order that Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward may get away to the Peace Conference, but some members are urging there should be a further adjournment, apart from tho epidemic.

There is a strong and, apparently, a growing feeling that the work of the session ought not to he hurried. Members say that one Minister is enough, but even if two went, the House could carry on. Representations on this point have been made to the Prime Minister. The Minister for Finance indicated last year that he did not. think it would tie necessary to increase taxation this year, and the Budget is not proposing any increase, (KSTRIBITTIXG SUPPLIES. INiFLUENZA AFFECTS iffiMBEKSWellington, Last Night. (By Telegraph —Our Correspondent.) Mr. Massey states that he is fixing the prices o£ fish, fruit, and vegetables as at November 1- He commandeered a thousand eases of Chatham cod, which will he distributed north and south through the Labor Department as required. A shipment of oranges from Auckland on Wednesday will be distributed. The House is expected to adjourn further on Tuesday, as owing to the influenza inroads a dozen members are down. There are several severe cases, and others have gone home. The camp reports show a further improvement, and they expect to be able to release some of the men during the week. t

Tho (Hinemoa is expected to go south on Monday with mails, but no passengers.