POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3322, 14 September 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

ADVANCES TO SETTLERS. SECOND MORTGAGE NOT ACCEPTED. WELLINGTON, Sept. 13. A proposal was made by Mr Poland (Ohinemuri) that the Advances to Settlers Act should be amended to enable those who take up land under the Land Settlement Finance Act to borrow on the security of their permanent improvements. The Prime Minister in his reply this afternoon stated that under the State Guaranteed Advances Act it is provided that all advances shall be made on the security of first mortgage of the lands, free from all encumbrances other than leasehold interest. To do what is how suggested would involve the advancing of money on second mortgage, and this the Government is not prepared to do. AN IMPORTANT POINT. PENSIONS ~AND INCOME. WELLINGTON, Sent. 13. A request has been made by Mr W. H. Herries that legislation should be introduced making it certain that converted property should not be treated as income in relation to applications for old age pensions. The Prime Minister has replied l that the point is an important one and will receive the fullest consideration when the Act is next being amended. TERRITORIAL OFFICERS. FREE RAILWAY PASSES. Officers of the territorial force are given railway passes when travelling on military duty. The Minister of Defence states that he is unable to extend. the privilege to enable officers of" the force to travel free on the railways at all times. CABINET GUESSES. WHAT IS IN -STORE? Speculation as to the Cabinet reconstruction which must be undertaken by Sir Joseph Ward, if he is returned to power at the general election, is engaging some attention among members, but the general feeling seems to be that the .future holds so much uncertainty that guessing and prophesying would be useless. The opinion is expi-essed in some quarters that- there would be almost open rebellion within the Government party if Sir Joseph Ward appointed another Ministerial leader of the Upper House from outside Parliament. Some members are said to be ready to insist that the successor to Sir John Findlay’s present position must be one who has had considerable and recent experience in the Lower House. JOTTINGS. The periodical revision of sub-post-masters’ salaries is almost complete. Under this revision increases, representing improved business, wall be paid at offices where they are warranted. Captain J. H. W. Uru, who was defeated by Mr T. Parata, M.P., by a very small majority for tlie Southern Maori seat at the last election, has left for the West Coast to open his campaign. He is standing as an Independent. THE COMING ELECTION. CANDIDATES FOR DUNEDIN. LFEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.! DUNEDIN, Sept. 12. As Messrs Barclay and McCarthy were the only nominations for Dunedin North and Chalmers the local Labor party has approved of their candidature. There will be another ballot for Dunedin South, and Dunedin Central before the party’s selection is finally announced. THE NELSON' SEAT. A CHANGE IN CANDIDATES. NELSON, Sept, 13. Mr. John Graham, M.P., announces through the “Colonist” that he will not seek re-election in November. Mr. Graham is one of the senior members of the House, having sat continuously for Nelson since 1893. Mr. George MacMahon, a well-known farmer, will be a candidate as a straight-out Government supporter.. Mu McMahon is prominently identified with the local bodies of the district, holding among other positions the chairmanship of the Harbor Board and the Charitable Aid Board. He is also chairman of directors of the Nelson Freezing Company.