POLITICAL NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 November 1918, Page 7

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE BOARD OF TRADE.

By Wire—Our Parliamentary Reporter

Wellington, Last Night

The Prime Minister says he doubts if the supplies of old potatoes are sufficient to last until the new season's crop is available. The board, in conjunction with the Munitions Department, h doing its best to relieve the situation by giving preferential 6pace for Australian potatoes.

THE CONTROL OF GALLIPOLI.

Mr. Massey states that the Imperial War Conference in 10)0 discussed the control of Gallipoli, and decided that that question should be* raised at the Peace Conference with a view to having that part of Gallipoli Peninsula where the Anzacs fought, and where many lie buried, placed under the control of tl ■> British Government, in order that the graves may be tended and trees planted. BARBED AND PLAIN WIRE. The Government is making enquiries in England with the object of securing for New Zealand farmers any surplus supplies of barbed and plain wire that may be available. SOLDIERS' PARCELS. Sir Joseph Ward states that the whole accumulation of parcels for soldiers in Wellington will be cleared out by the next two despatches. The public need not hesitate to continue posting parcels to soldiers. THE DEFENCE REPORT. It has been stated freely that portions of the Defence Expenditure Commission were excised by the Government before publication. Sir James Allen made this statement on the subject to-day: "Two portiins of the original report were excised by the Commission on the advice of the Solicitor-General, as being beyond the order of reference. The report as submitted to Parliament is the final report of the Commission." THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. The Minister of Public Health stated in the House that he was obtaining reports with o view to ascertaining what classes of cases ought to receive assistance from the Government, in connection with the influenza epidemic. "When the reports had been received the matter would be placed before Cabinet for consideration. Dr. Thacker (Christchureh East) suggested that the Government, should make immediate advances to local, authorities I in connection with the influenza epidemic. which hiid involved many of them in much expenditure. •-■- I The Minister of Finance said he would be glad to bring the matter before Cabinet. The Government would want information -flbouf.nho eKpen'ditirre, ; .but it had .already, shown; its willingnebS to helpr.asiar as itcould.-- ■_- • / ; ' ■ v --'-T-h"e 'rumor' tb&t 'the'Government'.lias 'he&l'bsck.-a'■Jiir.ge caaunlty. list was mentiwned; in the House of Pwepreaenlatives fby -Miv.lsitt: (Chrislehurch North}.- .-., "I can give a positive assurance -that ltd eawaUyuli&t" whatever is being held' he' held,, back,"-, said,- the' .rnlinister, -0f../De-fence,, in.-reply. "Every; ea&jujbiy .h'ft'thati.cnnies to hand is dealt* with immediately.' Tiie staff often works-at-jjgfbt in-rtn-der,, fo- decode,, the. cablegram, information' is sent to next of kin immediately' r H.V*' : 'teli'gi-am, and twenty-- ' four hours'lh/terffle namesTnte published !n the newspaper^."