QUESTIONS. The PREMIER, in answer to Mr Smith, who inquired if a sum would be placed upon the Supplementary Estimates so as to give a small increase to the salaries of country tele graphists and postmasters whose hours of duty had been increased by the lately issued regula tions, by which these offices are kept open from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., said that there would be a small sum allowed in some cases, but where two or more officers were employed in an office no allowance would be made. The MINISTER for PUBLIC WORKS, in reply to Mr J. B. Whyte, said that there was a rule in the Railway Department by which officials should not be employed over a certain age on the Government railways. So far as laborers were concerned no each rule applied, the department being anxious to engage the youngest and able men. The PREMIER, in reply to M/ Duncan, who desired to ascertain if the Government would place a sura on the Estimates to recoup the Kurow deferred payment settlers the amount levied as a railway tax for the Dun troon Railway, replied that no doubt the settlers referred to had suffered hardship, but he thought the Colonial Treasurer’s motion tabled for Friday next ■would give the settlers relief. The MINISTER for JUSTICE, replying to Mr Roiieston, who asked whether there were any memoranda showing reasons which in fluenced the late Colonial Secretary in accent ing the tender for the supply of hospital groceries in Wellington for the current year, read some memoranda on the subject, being correspondence which passed between the medical officer in charge (Dr. McKellar) and Mr Dick. The lowest tenderer had never supplied the hospital before that time, and therefore he (Minister for Justice) did not see why for that reason his tender should not have been accepted. GOVERNMENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION BILL. The PREMIER said that he had studied the amendments proposed in the Bill, and ho moved that they be agreed to. The motion was agreed to, and the Bill was read a third time and passed. PUBLIC WORKS AMENDMENT BILL. The MINISTER for PUBLIC WORKS moved that the amendments be agreed to. The Bill was read a third time and passed. DESTITUTE PERSONS AMENDMENT BILL. 