POLITICAL NOTES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 7, 3 October 1919, Page 7

POLITICAL NOTES

HOMES FOR WORKERS, A proposal to facilitate the acquisition of a homo by a worker, assisted by the Slate, was made to tho Prime Minister by .\lr. G. J, Anderson. He asked tho Government whether they will amend the laiv so that any worker may select a houso as his home, "or section ou which tp build his home, anywhere such house or section may bo situated and assist /linn under the Workers' Homes Act to acquire the property? Mr. Massey (uiimster uf Labour) replied: Thei legislation relating to housing will contain a provision to the effect suggested. It is preferable, however, tliiiv dwellings be built by the Department in convenient groups in ordor to ! i .no economy. Moreover, seeing that ..ecurity' under the Act is only ,£lO, necessary for the board to be satis- .. . that each dwelling could ba .readily ili.vpused of to another worker should the purchaser give up possession at any time or wish to cancel liis agreement. Any worker desiring financial assistance to unable him to build or buy his own houso may apply to the State Advances Office for a loan of 75 per cent, of tile value of tlio security.! SHIPPING FREIGHTS. The danger threatening this country by the operation of shipping rings wan, tne subject of a question to the Prime Minister by Mr. G. V. Pearce. He asked Air. Massey whether he lias taken any steps on behalf of the New Zealand Government, or in conjunction with the Imperial Government, to prevent the largo shipping combines charging the producers of New Zealand excessive freights on their produce shipped to England when the commandeer ceases? ■ Mr. Massey (Prime Minister) replied-. Representations have been made on many occasions to the Imperial authorities asking for reductions in freights and fares, but- the scarcity of shipping and labour difficulties have so far prevented much being done in the direction suggested. I'urther representations will be mado. THE WRONG WAY. One of llr. Seiuple's ideas for reducing tho cost of \liviiig is to, prevent the export of our food products. He asked the Prime Minister in tho Houso whether, in view of the increased cost of living and the shortage of certain commodities in our markets, lie will at once take the necessary 6teps to prevent any further exporting of New Zealand commodities until our town people are properly fed and clothed? Mr. Massey (Prime Minister) replied: To prevent export of the Dominion's products would bo ruinous, and the Government have no such intention as expressed ill the question. FOR NEW SCHOOLS. Mr. Nash, pursuing his policy of better provision for education by the Government, asked the Minister of Education whether he will introduce legislation this session providing for an increase of the educational grant to at least .£3,000,000, so as to provide better housing for the children, increased playing areas, and in. ' c.reased"'rates of payment for teachers' salaries P. Mr. Massey (for the Minister of Education) replied: The Estimates last year provided substantial increases in the votes for school buildings and sites and for teachers' salaries, and the necessi# of providing further increases is being considered in connection with this rear's Estimates. It must be remembered, however, that the amount that could be expended on publio buildings at tho present time is limited by the number of workmen and the supply of material available, NEED. FOR ECONOMY. A demand for compulsory economy was made by Mr. W. H. .Field (Otaki) in a question addressed to the Prime Minister. Mr. Field asked whother the Government will as a cardinal plank in their policy iake measures to eneourago. and if necessary to '.enforce, muoh-needed economy throughout tho Dominion by restricting the importation of luxuries, and any other fair and effective means? ' Air. Massey (Prime Minister) replied: As evidenced by the Financial Statement, economy is a cardinal plank in the policy of the Government. ' NAURU ISLAND. Mr. T. M. Wilford lias given notice to ask tho Prime Minister whether ho is aware that phosphates from Nauru Island have in the. past been shipped to Australia and Japan for the purpose of preparing the same by scientific process for the use of the public; and whether he does not think that the time has arrived for the; State to prepare at once for the receipt of phosphates from Nauru and establish an industry whereby those requiring the finished product may receive the same frsm the State direct without having to pay the added cost of shipping such phosphates first to Japan or Australia, and back to New Zealand after the preparation?