MATTERS OF INTEREST

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 53, 26 November 1920, Page 8

MATTERS OF INTEREST

MINISTERS ANSWER QUESTIONS

AN ECHO OF THE SESSION

Many questions asked by membors of the House of Representatives were still unanswered when the recent session of Parliumentff.cmled. Printed answers have now been issued" by Ministers. They refer to various matters of interest. WELLINGTON'S RAILWAY STATION. Mr. Luke (Wellington North) asked tho Minister of Railways if the Government would state for public information how far negotiations had progressed between the Government and the Wellington Harbour Board in referenco to the proposed new railway station for Wellington. Hon. Mr. Massey (Minister of Railways) replied: "The engineers of the Railway Department and Harbour Board are discussing the plans with a view to making .recommendations regarding points affecting the two parties that have an important bearing on the plans and scheme generally. of the engineers ' will be finally considered as soon as possible after they are received." POWER CONTRACTS. Mr. E. Newman (Rangitikei) asked the Minister of Public Works: "Whether, in view of the great importance of accelerating the development of hydro-electric power in the North Island, the Government will consider the advisability of inviting tenders from engineering firms in the Dominion, and also in England, Australia, Amorica, and Canada, for tho completion - of ■ one or more of the schemes approved by the Department." The Minister of (Public Works (Mr. Coates) has replied that' arrangements have been made in the direction indicated. Plans and specifications are now being prepared, and when tenders lire called sufficient time will be allowed to enable not only New Zealand firms but also firms abroad to investigate and tender. PREVENTING DUMPING. Tho. member for Otaki (Mr. W. H. Field) asked what steps, if any, wero being taken to prevent dumping in New Zealand by foreign manufacturers of their surplus commodities of a kind which wero also manufactured in the Dominion ? Sir William K. Herries (Minister of Customs) has replied: "The question of dumping will bo Cully considered in connection with the revision of the tariff promised >for noxt'sossion. Mennwhilo the Customs Department would be glad if the honourable member would supply them with any information on the subject ho may have in his possession." PRICES AND THRIFT. Mr. G. Mitchell (Wellington South) asked the Government: "What steps, if any, do they intend to take this session to reduce the cost of living or to stop the continued inflation of the 1 -prices of produce, land, and homes, in view of the fact that the monthly abstract shows the following Tises in the cost of living: 1920—January, 57 per cpnt.; February, 59 per cent; March, Gl per cent.; April, 62 per cent.; May, G3 per cent.; June, 62 per cent.; July, 67 per cent.; August, 71 per cent.?" The' Prime Minister (Mr. Massey) has replied: "It is impossible to answer the questions as the.honourable member has asked them. The Govorninent has dono and are doing everything possible to keep down the cost of living and keep the country prosperous, but if the efforts of the. Government are to bo successful citizens in both town and country must assist them by producing more and by practising thrift and economy in every way possible

SOLDIERS' LAND BALLOTS. Replying to a suggestion made bv Mr. Guthrie, M.P., that soldiers rejected at land ballots should be told the reason of their rejection, the Minister of Lands (Mr. Guthrie) has stated that tho attention of tho land boards is being drawn to the matter in order that the suggestion of the honourable member may be given, effect to as far as is practicable.

THE FORESTRY SCHtIOL. A question regarding the forestry school was placod upon the Order Pai>er Into in the session by Mr. G. Mitchell (Wellington South), who asked if, in view of tho fact that the Director of Forestry has Tecommended that the School of Forestry 6hould bo located in Canterbury, the Government intended to place- the school in that province. He mentioned that the recommendation was endorsed by the Canterbury and Central Progress Leagues. Tho Minister of Lands (Mr. Guthrie) has replied that the claims of Canterbury, in common with those of other parts of New Zealand, will be fully considered when the proposed School of Forestry is being dealt with.