POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2383, 18 October 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[|lV TF.LEOHAriI. —OWX CORUKsI'ONIIKNT.] Battery Site at Point Resolution. Wki.unoton, Saturday, Silt GeohceGrev held a nicotine of Auckland members on Saturday concerning the disposal of the Native School Trust land five acres in extent at Point Resolution, Parnell, which he, legarded as havin', been irregularly disposed of and the interests of the orphan children sacrificed. It is asserted that by the arrangement made with the late Government Mr Schwartz Kissling had his lease from the trustees, which lias 118 years to run, converted into a freehold with til 18, besides the Government paid £1750 for threequarters of an acre, whilst the orphanage only receive £ll3B and lose their reserve. Legal opinion is that the action of the Defence Department was ultra vires, not being covered by any authority. North. Island Trunk Railway. Tho feeling in Wellington is one of resentment against the action being taken in Auckland to divert the lino from the Central to the Western route. They consider it would be a piece of gross political immorality to change tho line. At a meeting of Auckland members it was stated that it would save half a million to divert the line to the Stratford route, and that tho crippled state of tho revenue demanded it. Native Affairs Committee. Mr Kelly, member for Tanranga, was elected chairman of the committee. Both Mr Ballance and Mr Hobbs refused the office. Ministerial Residences. The Wellington Press denounces these buildings, which are styled “Almshouses.” It is proposed to sell them, and thus recoup £IO,OOO and save £2,000 a year. There are many interesting disclosures made in connection with them. Old Soldiers. Mr Hobbs asked whether a clause would be inserted in the Bill to he introduced for settling old soldiers and volunteers’ land claims to enable the commissioners to entertain claims that are equitable, tlmugh not strictly legal. The Adjournment. The opportunity afforded by tbe fortnight’s adjournment of tbe House has been taken advantage of by members to visit several parts of the colony, many intending to proceed to their homes, while numbers nf others will pay flying visits to Napier, Wanganui, Taranaki and the Wellington country districts. A small party of members visited the fortifications on Saturday.