POLITICAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2191, 21 April 1891, Page 4

POLITICAL.

WEimiNaTOK, April 18. The Justice Department is now under consideration, and it is understood several important changes in the way of administration are to be made These will not be known till next week. The five Native Land Court judges to be retired are W. G. Mair, J. A. WilsonrE. W. Pucfcey, R. Trimble and J. S. Clendon. Extensive reforms in administration of the Native Land Courts are contemplated, though the exact nature of these is not yet decided. The proposals, it is understood, go in the direction of assigning each judge a district within which he shall travel on circuit. It is also intended to strip the land courts of some of the superfluous , paraphernalia which are now associated with them. The presiding officials, instead ot being called judges, and so appearing on the face of it to have co-ordinate rank with members of the Supreme Court Bench, will have some other distinctive title, probably that of Recorder. The expenses in connection with the em- j

ployment of c|erks and interpreters will also be cut down considerably. There are still thirty sheep inspectors left for the colony under the new arrangements. More responsibility will be thrown on the rabbit inspectors than has been the case hitherto.

Acting on the suggestion of the recent deputation from the Wellington ( hamber of Commerce to the Premier, the Government have drafted a Bill for the amendment of the Companies Act giving joint-stock companies power of. so altering their articles of association as to enable them to extend their field of operations. The Bill will enable a Icompany (1) To carry on business more economically or more efficiently. (2) To attain its main purposes by new or improved means (8) To enlarge or change the local area of its operations. (4) To carry on some business or businesses which under existing circumstances may be advantageously combined with the business of the company. (5) Or, to restrict or abandon any of the objects specified in the memorandum of association or deed of settlement. The draft will be submitted to the various Chambers of Commerce in the colony for their consideration.