POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 312, 9 July 1898, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(BY TfiLEGKAPIt-ISPECIAL COBKESFONDENT) WELLINGTON, Lust Night. SHEARERS' ACCOM MODATION. ACCORDING to the Premier, a most shameful state of affairs exists in some places in the Colony, where, he says, labourers on stations were In a worse place than lie had seen cattle and sheep housed. Mr Massey said this assertion of Mr Seddon's was a reflection on every country settler in the Colony. Mr Seddou moved a clause in Major Stewart's Bill last night to provide better accommodation for the permanent hands employed on some stations, but, as the proposal met witli strong opposition, he withdrew it. AN INDIGNANT MINISTER. The Minister for Lands displayed some heat this afternoon over Mr Lewis' question respecting a recent appointment in Nelson. Mr Lewis asked who was Receiver of Laud Revenue at Nelson ? whether this official was merely a temporary cleric prior to his appointment? and whether he waspaid£7o for travelling expenses from Wellington to Nelson? Mr John McKenzie said it gave him great plcasme to reply to the question. The name of this officer was Mr Harry Trent, and he was not a temporary clerk, having been oo years in the public service He went on to state tint it was evident the member for Christchurch had been " had " over this matter, and he was well aware his information was from an officer in the Civil service. He (Mr MeKenzie) had also seen something about the appointment in a Conservative newspaper. It was stated in the paper that Mr Lewis was about to question the Minister for Lands respecting an appointment in Nelson which had been given to a relative of Mr McKenzie's, but the fact was that Mr Lewis had confused the appointment referred to with another one recently made in the Nelson Land Office. It was represented to him (Mr McKenzie) that an accountant was required in that office, and a gentleman, named MacDonnald, was recommended for the position. Mr MaoDonnald was not related to him in any way ; but being a " Mac " it was no doubt thought he was a relation of his. He made enquiries after wards and ascertained that Mr MacDonnahl was an uncommonly good accountant, who was well qualified for the position. Mr McKenzie then went on to defy anybody to point to any act connected with his administration, which was of an improper character (An honorable member : Lewi3 quietly rose and said he had had no communication either directly or indirectly with any public officer over this matter. He explained that he had been asked about this appointment several times since he had come to Wellington, and he thought the Minister for Lands should be obliged to him for having afforded Mr McKenzie an opportunity to make the explanation he had just given to the House. JOTTINGS. Mr Fisher intends asking the Government to introduce a Bill to enable the Premier to speak in both Houses. According to Dr. McGregor's report the males in the Lunatic Asylums in the colony exceed the females by 1440 to 990. The Minister for Lands appeared in the House to-day with a great coat on and woolen muffler round his throat. Mr Fisher is endeavouring to provide that every member of the House should have a copy of the evidence taken before the Police Commission in the same way as Mr Taylor.