PARLIAMENT AT WORK

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 17, 14 October 1921, Page 8

PARLIAMENT AT WORK

WORK OF IMPERIAL CONFERENCE MEMBERS & THEIR QUESTIONS ECONOMIES IN STATE DEPARTMENTS The Prime Minister made a statement in th# l House of Representatives yesterday afternoon regarding t he economies that are being effected in the Government Departments. H e showed that some big savings are being effected, and he indicated that the House would be asked to assist the Government in extending the scheme of retrenchment. Ministers’ answers to questions p laced on the Order Paper by members were circulated. Members were anxious to discuss some of these answers, and under the Standing Or ders they were entitled to take two hours for the purpose; but owing to the presentation of papers and other business the time they actually ha d at their disposal was ten minutes. The Prime Minister made his promised statement regarding the business of the Imperial Conference In the evening. He made a very important speech covering a wide - range o f subjects. *

TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS

THE WAITING LIS' 1 ' INTRODUCTION OF ZONE SYSTEM A brief statement regarding telephones was made by the Postmaster-General (Hon. J. G. Coates) in the House yesterday. Mr. Coates said that in tho month of August there were on the waiting list 0618 applications for telephone connections. There was a shortage of telephones, though there was a good deal of other material in the country. From January next telephones would be arriving in New Zealand at the rate of about 1000 a; month up to the number of 5000. The instruments were being obtained principally ' from the Western Electric Company, and one other company. They were all steelbacked; none of them would bo wood in the future. The contract for them had not been let very long. Telephones were allocated according to tho order of application. If tho Department wished, to make up the leeway it would need a million of money at once to catch up on the year’s work, and would then have to go on at tho rate of about half a million a year to keep anywhere near the demand for telephones. Tho telephones would bo a paying service. They wore not so yet. But it all depended on howmuch was charged to the telegraph account. Tho telegraph ho thought was at the moment carrying: more than it should carry. Ho believed tho telephones would pay very well in tho future. The Minister indicated that the Department hoped to introduce the zone system of telephone charges. As soon as the final report on tho system was ready he would bo glad to make it public, so that members might havo an opportunity of'considering it before the regulations were drafted.

THE SAVINGS BANK LAST QUARTER’S RETURN’S. The Postmaster-General (Mr. Coates) mentioned the business of the Post Office Pavings Bank' in. the House of Representatives yesterday. He said that during the first month of the last completed quarter there had been evidence that money was being withdrawn from the savings "bank for investment in the bonds that were being offered by various companies throughout New Zealand. These withdrawals had not continued in the; second month, but there had been indications that 'some people, especially in the country districts, were withdrawing money to pay living expenses. The returns for the last month of the quarter aad shown an improvement. Money Deemed to bo flowing back into the savings bank. Mr. Veitch (Wanganui) told the Minister that the restrictions placed on deposit money, and about to bo placed by legislation upon tlie acceptance of deposits by local authorities and companies, would have the effect of sending much money into the Post Office Savings Bank. Would the Postmaster-General be prepared to extend the limits so that interest might be paid enlarge sums? Mr. Coates replied that he would be prepared to consider the matter if people really wished to put large sums into the savings bank. -Sir John Luke (Wellington North): lire you prepared to assist the local bodies by lending them money that they cannot get otherwise owing to legislation cutting off their ordinary loan supplies? The Postmaster-General said he could not make any promise on that point. Much of the money deposited in the savings banks was invested in Government services. The money had been very useful on many occasions, and the Government could find a use for all of it.

TOTALISATOR LICENSES POSITION OP CERTAIN CLUBS. Mr. Horn (Wakatipu) recently asked tho Minister of Internal Affairs whether he would inform the House at the earliest possible date when racing clubs whoso permits had not been recommended by the Racing Commission for consideration and whose fixtures took place between tho end of November and the end of January would know' beyond doubt whether or not their permits would be available for this season’s racing. •_ Tho Minister replied: "As a. decision may not bo reached by” Parliament for some time, it has been decided that licensed will be issued as in previous years to clubs previously holding them up till the end of January’, 1922, and clubs affected may accordingly make their preparations." wooFprofits QUESTION IN THE HOUSE. Asked by Mr. IV. H. Field (Otaki) whether ho had any success in securing for tho wool-growers of tho Dominion the additional profits, estimated at about .£8,000,000, resulting from tho resale of New Zealand wool by ‘ho Imperial Government, and when, if he achieved success in this respect, tho amount would ba available for distribution, tho Primo Minister yesterday stated: "The Dominion’s share of profits arising fron> the resale of tho first two wool clips (1916-17 and 1917-13) sold to tho Imperial Government have already been distributed to growers. It will not bo possible to ascertain what profits are available froin tho resale of tho last two wool clips (1913-19 and 1919-20), which wore the subject of a. separate contract, until tho wool has been disposed of. At present there are over seven hundred thousand bales still unsold, and the present market position is such that it is unlikely that the final liquidation of these two” clips will leave any profit for New Zealand wool-growers.” The Hon. I). H. Guthrie (Minister of I,ands) has promised to . consider a suggestion that ho should, with, the Commissioner of State’Forests, provide for the reservation of sufficient areas of bush in the Urewera Country to prevent as far as possible the areas of valuable country on tho Rangataiki Swamp from being flooded.

THORNDON RECLAMATION

THE PRESENT SITUATION STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER Questions were recently put to the Act-ing-Minister of Railways by Mr. G. Mitchell (Wellington South] regarding the Thorndon reclamation. Mr. Mitchell asked whether the Government would 'have tho work of preparing working plans and specifications for the Thorndon retaining wall expedited, whether it would give an assurance that tho construction of this wall would bo proceeded with as soon as the plans wore ready, whether it intended this session to pass tho necessary legislation defining the rights and responsibilities of the bodies concerned —namely, thq Harbour Board, the City Council, and the Railway Department.” “The Harbour Board,’’ the member stated, “hhs agreed to the Railway Department’s proposals and is anxious that the work should be proceeded with at .once.” Tho Hon. Mr. Guthrie (Acting-Minis-ter of Railways) replied: “The terms of agreement between the Railway Depart.mont and the Harbour Board have been agreed upon, and the necessary survey of the areas affected has been made by a firm of licensed surveyors, and the plan is nearly completed. It is necessary to have tho licensed surveyor’s plan attached to the formal agreement when the documents are signed. A copy of tho plan referred to will be forwarded to the chief engineer of the Harbour Board, who will then undertake the cross-sections necessary for the consideration of the designs. The plans and specifications for the sea-wall erthnot be prepared until particulars of fho crosssections have been obtained. The question of what legislation is necessary to be passed in connection with the work is now engaging attention.”

STANDING ORDERS ' THE TABLING OF A PAPER. When a statement dealing with the Post Office was tabled by the Postmas-ter-General (Hon. J. G. Coates) in the House yesterday, tho Leader of the Opposition (Mr. T. M. Wilford) said that the manner in which the report had been presented was only another instance of ’•he fact that the Standing Orders could be used by a Minister, if he so desired, for tho purpose of preventing discussion on public expenditure. He supposed that tho orders were really framed for tho purpose of assisting those in power for the time being and baulking the party that happened to be in Opposition. The reason, probably, for which the orders were never upset was that every Opposition hoped to be in power some day, and to be in a position to uso them, ns others had done, to the disadvantage of its opponents. The Postmaster-Gen-eral brought down a new form of statement in a quiet, unostentatious manner and had spoken in a voice that could hardly be' heard, so that two members had had to call out, "What is it?” The lit mister's reply was “I'2, copy of receipts and expenditure in connection with the Post Office.” (Air, Coates: “Balances"). What a procedure it was, and what a travesty of Government 1 The document could not be studied by any member in time for discussion. No wonder that Governments were coming into disrepute all round the world. The Hon. J. A. Hanan (Invercargill) Joined in the protest made by Mr. Wilford. The Parliamentary machine was not, he said, receiving the confidence that used to bo reposed in it. The methods adopted in Parliament would not be tolerated in a local body. Ho strongly a'dvocated revision of the Standing Orders so that when an important statement came down members should be given an opportunity of learning what it contained. Dr. Thacker (Christchurch North) wondered why the honourable gentlemen who had just protested had not taken measures to remove the cause of their complaint during their occupancy ot seats in the National Government. Ho described tho manner of bringing down reports as clandestine. "We ought to know more and know it soonei\ he said. The Leader'of tho Labour Party (Mr. H. E. Holland) said that there had been an hour’s discussion on a paper that no member knew anything about. Ho also thought that the system should be altered. Tho Postmaster-General said he was rather surprised ■ at the want of knowledge of the Act. displayed by Mr. Wilford and Mr. Hanan. The paper was laid on the table by Act. and did not have to be printed. Ho had moved, however th-at it should he printed, so that it might be circulated among members. Tho procedure followed was one established by old precedent.. His cnly anxiety was to give the T y ouse ”', for tion Apparently the I.eader of the Opposition wished to stand in the way.

FIGHTING FIRE BLIGHT Mt Nash (Palmerston) asked the Minister’ of Agriculture _ yesterday whether he proposed to consider tho Federated Fruitgrowers’ Association s proposals to. pay a treble tax during the coming year, the Government subsidising .£- for every £1 towards fighting fireblight; and whether ho proposed to take active measures towards the eradication of hawthorn in New Zealand. . . , The Hon. Mr. Nosworthy (Mims«er of Agriculture) replied: "The Department of Agriculture is o.t present co-operating with and subsidising tho Auckland I'ireblight Committee in carrying out urgent work in connection with the control of this disease, and future requirements will be given every consideration accordin- to their nature. The question of what will he done in connection with hawthorn will be. given further consideration after the working of the Noxious VVeelts Amendment Act of last session has been noted. rent restrictions “The advisability of repealing or continuing the rent-restriction provisions is under consideration.” stated the Hon. G. J. Anderson (Minister of Labour) in tho House yesterday.

RURAL MAILS

SCHEME UNDER FIRE COUNTRY MEMBERS’ CONTENTIONS There was some • discussion in tho House yesterday of the -Postmaster-Gene-ral’s new scheme for rural mail deliveries. A number of country members criticised the schema unfavourably. Sir George Hunter (Waipawa) asked tho Minister to reconsider the proposed charge for rural.deliveries. The present, ho thought, was ■ a very inopportune time to ask tho settlers in the backblocks to contribute the extra amount. They had quite enough to do to meet their present engagements without tho imposition of the additional charge. It had been pointed out to the Minister, and would continue to be pointed out ns long as ho held office, that the settlers in tho backblocks had very considerable disadvantages to contend with. In some cases their mails came only once a week, in others as seldom as once a fortnight; in very few cases were there deliveries once a day. It was manifestly unreasonable that at the present time they should be called upon tot pay the additional charge for something that did not put them in anything like the same position as tho people in tho cities. In the backblocks tho people had no recreation. They worked from daylight to dark, and tno only recreation many of them had was tho reading of tho newspapers. Ho hoped that tho Minister, as tho result of tho strong representations made to him, would reconsider tho Imposition of the additional charge. Mr. J. Horn (Wakatipu) said that the statements of the Postmaster-General regarding rural mails had been quite plain to him, and had met with his approval. Mr. Coates was doing the right thing, and should stick to his guns. He applauded tho ‘Minister for the action tho latter had taken. Mr. A. D. M'Lcod (Wairarapa) understood that tho scheme was designed,to put tho settlers in the position of knowing what they could demand. The proposal was only for districts that could show four householders to tho mile. It would bo a great relief for settlers to know that, provided they came within the fixed conditions, they could go to tho Department and ask for a service. Ho thought, however, that charges might be mado smaller. The settlers in the backblocks proper would not get the benefit of the scheme, and he hoped that tho Minister would do something for them.

Mr. H. E. Holland (Buller) contended that the people of tho country districts should have opportunities not less than those enjoyed by the people who happened to live in congested areas. Mr. J. Bitchener (Waitaki) said that many of the small settlors could not afford to pay the charge of .£2 per annum. The proposals of fho Postmas-ter-General had occasioned great concern in South Canterbury. The Minister said that he had listened carefully to the criticisms of the rural mail delivery scheme. The present system, if it went on. would get out of hand, and cause tremendous loss io tho Department. The now scheme was an attempt to provide something better. Members could 1 not how many applications for services had to be refused at present because the cost was too high. There must be some system. What members had said would be carefully considered. COUNTRY MEMBERS ASK QUESTIONS. Earlier in the week Mr. Forbes asked the Minister whether he, was aware that though ho had stated that there was no wish to increase the amount that had to be paid by settlers for mail deliveries, circulars were being issued calling upon the black-blocks settlers to pay dll in some cases, and £2 per annum in others. The Postmaster-General replied that it was true that in some cases the rural services at tlie moment cost the settler nothing, but in other cases there were settlers who were paying from £5 up to £lO for deliveries. The whole incidence of the cost was, therefore, unfair and unequal. The object in endeavouring to alter the system was to distribute the cost more evenly, irrespective of tho location of the settler. He was familiar with the argument of the farmers that the city people had two deliveries and that one of these might Ire cut out, but the execution of that proposal would not lead to much of a saving, as the cost of a double delivery in tho city was infinitesimal by comparison with the amount of the revenue. He did not know that he would be justified in asking the people in the cities to pay more towards the service in the country districts. The Government realised the duty it owed 1c the back-blocks settlers, but the amount of help it could give was governed by the relation of the revenue t:i the expenditure. The trouble with rural mail deliveries in other countries was that they had got out of hand, and tho present intention of the Government was to lay down a principle which would provide for systematic working. In answer to Mr. "M'Leod, who asked for information about the cost of rural 'mails, the Minister said the cost to the Department in hard cash was approximately .£4BOO. Including subsidies, the amount came to about £8167. Without the contributions from the set-' tiers, it cost about £BOOO odd. With the new charge of £2 or £1 (as the case might be) there would bo no profit at all. Tho cost of the service to the Department would be a little less than at present. Probably tho loss would be reauced to about one-half—not quite onehalf.

Still another reference to the proposed new system of rural mail delivery was made, when Mr. H. Poland (Ohinemuri) quoted to tho Postmaster-General a protest which he had received from the Springdale Farmers’ Union. They stated that they had had a mail system for some time, and as the result of contributions the cost to the individual had been reduced as low as Bs. 6d. per year. They had been looking forward to the time when the service would lie selfsupporting, and now under x the new scheme they were to be called upon to pay £2 per year for its continuance. Mr. Coates replied in much the same terms as he had to previous questions on the subject. One of tho points o.n which ho laid most emphasis was that tho Department wished to extend the service, and desired to establish it in the more outlying parts of the country. Mr. Poland: And you want these people to nay for that? M*r. Coates: To assist to pay. Mr. Poland: Why not make everybody pay—the people in the city as well. It is onlv fair. . Mr. Coates: "It sounds all right, the representations quoted by .Mr. Poland, ho added, would be considered among the others that had been made.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF IMMIGRANTS Replying to inquiries regarding the medical examination of new arrivals in this countrv, the Hon. C. J. Parr (Minister of Public Health) yesterday stated: "At. present tho Health Department actually conducts an ‘on-arrival examination’ into the state of health of individuals arriving in New Zealand from overseas. This examination does not profess to be thorough; but i« as strict as is practicable and compares very favourably with similar examinations carried out in other parts of the world. Section 81 of the Health Act, 1920, gives ample power for the removal to institutions of T.B. sufferers where such action seems necessary in the interests of public health. It is not therefore considered necessary to establish "lock farms.”

THE POST OFFICE

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE FIGURES OF PAST YEAR “ LEE-WAY” £354,000 In the House yesterday afternoon, the Postmaster-General (Hon. J. G. Coates) presented a statement of tho balances of the various accounts in tho Post Office. During the recess tho Government promised that balance-sheets ‘of the Departments would be presented, and some members appeared to assume that this was'the general balance-sheet for tho Post and Telegraph Department. Mr. W. A. Veitch (Wanganui; said that in his opinion the practice of presenting a balance-sheet for the Department was a great improvement on past procedure. Dr. A. K. Newman (Wellington East) wished to know why tho Post and Telegraph Department did not call for advertisements to bo published in tho telephone handbooks. He believed that here was an opportunity for raising more revenue. Dr. IT. T. J. Thacker (Christchurch' East) wished to see open circulars sent for a halfpenny, and the messenger system restored in the Department. Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon) said that (here was a considerable demand for public slot telephones, and he felt sure that the Department might profitably cater for it on a larger scale. Mr. D. Jones (Kaiapoi) asked the Minister to consider whether in the country the work of erecting poles and lines for telegraphic services should not be let on contract, not only because the cost would be lowered, but because it would give local men an opportunity of tendering. The member considered that too many inspections took- place at country post offices. Ho knew of one office that had been inspected fourteen timesin six months. ' Mr. G. Forbes (Huronui) protested against the reduction in the size of telegraph forms, and inquired whether it was permanent. The present forms were ridiculously email. .Air. R. A. Wright .'Wellington Suburbs) said that the reduction in the size of telegraph forms had been made because the public had the habit of using the forms for other purposes than those for which they were intended. A Balance-Sheet. Mr. Coates explained that tho statement which he had tabled was not the general balance-sheet of the Department, though such a balance-sheet was to be presented later. He had had one taken out approximately to March' 31, 1921. The figures were as follow: — Revenue Last Year. , Post Office /1,352,667 » Telegraph and telephone branches 1,237,763 Total revenue 2,590,440 Expenditure. Post Office 1,222,007 Telephones and telegraphs 1.369,779 'Total 2,591,788

Five per cent, on the capital came to ,£293,371. and the balance of expenditure over revenue was £334.717. '1 o that had ( G be added maintenance on buildings, £40,000. The capital cost of the telegraphs was shawn as £1.768,C00: of the telephones, £2.G41,C(:0: of the buildings, £ 1,509,000; total, £5.867,M0. . ' AVith regard io the valuations, the Minister Said that the Public AVoiks Department had been asked to make them on the' habis of present-day values. Members would see that the leeway, after allowing five per cer.t. interest on capital, was £354,000 for the year. This did not allow for furniture, which would have to come in this year 141 reply to Dr. Newman’s suggestion, tho Minister stated that tho Department was adopting the system of publishing advertisements in tho telephone handbooks, and hoped to effect thereby a savin" of something like ..£14,000 or £10,060. A memlrr had suggested letting tlie erection of lines by contract. He believed in that system, and where contracts could be let they would be. He was not saying that good work was not being done under the present system. COMPULSORY LOAN AMOUNT UNSUBSCRIBED. Replying to Mr. G. Mitchell (Wellington South), who asked what amount of the compulsory loan was yet unsubscribed, and whether it was the intention of the Government to enforce the subscription of the full amount, Mr. Massey lesterdav stated: ’ “The amount of the loan which remains unsubscribed is £1,392,000.. All notices under tho compulsory provisions of tho Act have been issued by the Commissioner of Taxes. Owing to the financial depression some difficulty is being experienced by ninny taxpayers in finding the amount reouired. It is therefore too soon to estimate the amount which will he finally realised.” STATE - ™ KILNS A MEMBER’S SUGGESTION. "Would the Government seriously consider the establishment of Stalo lime kilns, so that the farmer should bo supplied with lime at cost price? asked Mr J AUC. Dickson (Chalmers) in the House’of Representatives yesterday. Ho said that at tho present time companies in the south were charging 3ns. a ton at the nearest railway siding, and tho question arose whether the companies were charging tho maximum price on account of the fact that lime was conveyed free of charge. The Minister of Agriculture (Hon. W. Nosworthy) replied, that he would be pleased to look into the matter and see what could be done. The member would know that it was not the policy of the Government to launch out into any more. State enterprises than it had at present. IMMIGRATION POLICY housing and employment. “TTnve those people obtained employment and adequate 'housing ?” asked Mr. O J. .Hawken (Egmont) tn the House yesterday in reference to the immigrants who very recently arrived in this country by the Waimana. Tho Hon AV. Nosworthy replied that he understood .Wst under a thousand immigrants had arrived last week-end. Every ono of (hose had obtained accommodation and had gone to enip.oyme.nt. I'he next ship-load, which was to arrive shortly, was also provided for Mr. H. E. Holland (Buller): Ilavo they all got houses!’ The Minister: Tf they have not houses of their own they have housing accommodatin'? end employment to go to. Those people who nominated them take care that (hey keep the promise they made Considering tho numbers that havo come and tho way in which tho country has absorbed them, I think thero is 'not much cause to complain of the Government’s attitude with regard to immigration. The lion. AV. D. Stewart (Minister in Charge of the Electoral Department) informed the House yesterday that the cuestion of adopting compulsory enrolment and notification of change of address os a method of compiling electoral rolls was under consideration-

LAND TAX

A REQUEST FOR POSTPONEMENT MR. MASSEY’S REFLY “Will tho Minister of Finance favourably consider tho oucstion of extending the' time for the payment of land lox from November, 1921, until February, 1922?” asked Sir George Hunter (Waipawa) in the House of Representatives. “If this can be- arranged, it will allow time for the produce from the land to be placed upon the market and make the proceeds available tor the payment of tho tax.’’ Mr. Massey replied that the matter had already been considered, and it was feared that an intension. of the time for the payment of any portion of the revenue this year might be impossible. Sir George Hunter urged the Prime Minister to consider ’he matter again. It would be almost impossible for many farmers to pay Olio tax in November. They would be in a better position in February, since by that time tho produce of their farms would have been, sold He hoped that the Prime Minister would look into the matter, with the object of seeing if Hie time for the payment of the land tax could not be extended until February. PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Public Trust Office for tho year ended March 31, 1921, was presented to Parliament yesterday. The Public Trustee reviews comprehensively the working of this far-reaching Department. Among subjects to which ho directs particular attention is that the rate of interest on amounts held in the common fund on behalf of beneficiaries and estates has been i nc ™ased, absorbing an additional sum of £40,000. In addition to this increases granted to the staff required tho payment out oi revenue of an additional sum of £30,N0 Nevertheless there was a profit of £lO,OOO for tho year. ; The cash balances held at credit of estates were stated to be £13,918,900, an increase of £2,007,600 over the previous rear In 1917 the cash balance amounted to £8,050,800. The office reserves, built up out of the profits made in successive years, amounted on March M, 1921, to £437,414. Tho number of wills held on deposrt on behalf of living persons 28 3a6 at tho end of tho year, while 2803 new estates were accepted for admimstrathe fall in the value of wool and other staple products,” the report save: “The farmers have found great difficulty- in many cases in finding money for the’payment of interest due under their mortgages, and a great deal of additionaT work has been cast upon the Public Trust Office in dealing with these cases. The Public Trustee is in a peculiar position in this matter. On tile ono hand mortgagors ask for time which to pay interest, and, on tho othei clients require the prompt payment of their interest. It has not always been possible to grant the concessions which mortgagors require. Nevertheless the office has endeavoured to deal with each individual case in as liberal a manner as is consistent with its duties as a the difficulties of the time the office has endeavoured to avoid any action which would serve to accentuate the existing lt will be realised that with investments totalling thir. teen million pounds in value this matter has required very careful attention, and a failure to deal with it’ firmly might easily have created a dangerous position. While tho office has very great liabilities to clients AVhich it is bound to meet, it has nevertheless carefully refrained from any harsh action against mortgagors.”

NURSES’ SUPERANNUATION SCHEME UNDER CONSIDERATION. Mr E. Newman (Manawatu) yesterday asked the Minister of Public Health (the Hon. C. J. Parr) whether the Government was in a position to give effect to its promise that a superannuation fund for nurses would be eS Mr jl Parr said in reply that the Health Department had gone very carefully into the matter and had framed a scheme. That scheme involved a considerable State contribution. It had been before Cabinet, and Cabinet was doubtful whether it could at the present time finance a superannuation scheme of a chafactor that ho thought would be sound. It was no use establishing the fund unless it was actually sound. Tho Government had not yet come to a final decision. It was just a question whether the finances of the country could stand a largo capital contribution. 1 robably a conclusion would be reached within a week or two, when he would give the meiuber & definite answer. PREFERENCE TO UNIONISTS ' ABOLITION SUGGESTED. Mr J. R. Hamilton (Awarua) recently asked the Prime Minister whether ho would give members of Parliament an opportunity to place on the Statute Book legislation abolishing the Arbitration Act and preference to uuianists.. Mr. Massey has replied: 'lt is hoped to* introduce a compilation and a numbcr of amendments of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act shortly when the questions raised by „the honourable member can be discussed. ADMINISTRAfiON~OF ESTATES LEGAL CHARGES. - "Is it a fact.” inquired Mr. O. J. Hawken (Egmont) in the House yesterday, "that the legal charges in connection with tho administration of estates havo been greatly increased of late, and, if thev havd, what is the reason ? ' The' lion. J. G. Coates (Minister in Char"o of the Public Trust Office) replied”—“Tho legal charges in connection with the administration of estates by the Public Trust Office have not been increased as suggested by the honourable member. Tho rates of commission, however have been revised and anomalies removed, and at the same time the rates of interest allowed to estates have been increased, and the system Iprall J re ‘ lating to interest altered to the advantage "of estates.” REDUCTION OF SALARIES "Opportunity will be given on the con. sideration of ihe Financial Statement, was the reply of the Prime Minister to Mr J. R- Hamilton (Awarua), who inquired whether the House would have bn opportunity to discuss the salaries of members of Parliament and all Civil servants with a view to making « reduction in order to reduce the cost of administration of all Departments of State. TESTING MILK AND CREAM “Will the Minister of Agriculture Ititroduce a measure on the lines of ihe Ont'irio Act giving poweft to the officers of the A"ricultural Department to test milk and cream In dairy factories and other pbiecs? inquired Mr. O. J. Hauken (Elmont) in tho House of Keprerentatives. 'l’b,. lion. Air. Nosworthy replied: “This matter is being gone into especially from the point of view of determinin" the extent to which conditions prevail which would render legislation necessary. Inquiries are also being made as to what is being done in other countries, apprt from Ontario, in the shape of legislation «f tha kind suggested."

RETRENCHMENT

ECONOMIES ALREADY EFFECTED MR. MASSEY QUOTES FIGURES THE REDUCTION OF STAFFS The Primo Minister made a statement to the House of Representatives yesterday regarding the economies that are being effected in the State Departments. He quoted some portions of a report that he had received from tho Treasury on the subject. Returns collected from the Departments, said Mr. Massey, showed that a saving of £202,366 had been made in salaries and wages, and a saving of £701,674 in respect' of other services. This made a total recent saving of £9iT7,040 per annum. In addition to this total, the savings secured by the withdrawal of subsidies amounted to These subsidies were on flour and putter. Then savings in interest and sinking fund to the amount of £888,750 had been effected by utilising funds in the ordinary revenue account, instead of borrowing for various purposes. Another saving had been effected by demobilising 809 officers and other employees whose salaries and wages had been charged chiefly to the AVnr Expenses Account. The saving in this respect amounted to £240,000. The saving in the Post and Telegraph Department had been, roughly, £75,000, in the Railway Department £445,000, in the Internal Affairs Department £40,000, and in the Defence Department £lOB,OOO. Tlie Prime Minister added that ho thought these official documents would remove the impression which appeared to exist in seme quarters that little or nothing had been done to effect economics and bring the public expenditure within the revenue. Tlie Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Wilford) asked why the Government had be»n so long about the task. Mr. Massey: I commenced a year sgo. I am not in the habit of going about telling people what I intend to do. I prefer to tell them what has been done. A good start has been made. A very great deal more requires to be done, and I will havo to ask Wio assistance of the House in that respect before tb? session comes to an end.

AUSTRALIA AND THE TARIFF ABOUT RECIPROCITY. Answering a question about the tariff, the Minister of Customs (the Hon. W. D. Stewart) yesterday stated:—"Tho operation of tho Australian tariff as applied io exports from New Zealand has been fullv considered in framing the new tariff and the Bill to accompany the tariff. The Prime Minister for the Commonwealth of Australia has made it clear that he is not prepared to begin any direct negotiations for reciprocity with New Zealand until after the new Australian tariff has become law. It is hoped that schedules governing a selected list of items will then be agreed to and prepared during the coming recess for submission to Parliament.” RISE IN COASTAL FREIGHTS QUESTION OF CONTROL. Mr. Hudson (Motueka) has asked the Government: "(1) What steps, if any, are being taken in connection with the recent announcement by tho Union Steam Ship Company of an increase in coastal freights of 25.. 6d. and 3s. 6d per ton? (2) Is such increase considered justifiable or not? (3) What control, if any, can the Government exercise m the interests of producers in regard to sffch freights?” . . The Hon. E. P. Loe (Minister of industries and Commerce) has replied:— "(1) Tho matter is at present under consideration. (2) Information in tho hands of the Department of Industries and Comine r ce shows that' the Union Steam ShiS Company's vessels engaged in this trade did not aggregate their working expenses - on the oifl rales, and,, if tnO services were to be maintained, increased charges were unavoidable. (3) The Government has power under the Board Of Trade Act to control, if necessary, coastal freights.” RAILWAY ROLLING STOCK "Tlie fixed policy of the Government is to build all rollingstock equipment required for tho railways in the departmental local worWhops,” stated tho Hon. D. n. Guthrie (Acting Minister of Railways) yesterday. Owing to the depletion of the'skilled artisans during the war, and the impossibility of obtaining the necessary- material from abroad during the same -period, building programmes could not be carried out. It was therefore necessary to place contracts for trucks and locomotives with firms in the United Kingdom in order to place the Department in a position to meet prospective traffic requirements. The letting of tho contract outside the Dominion was one of the results of the war, and is not indicative of a departure fif>m the general policy of providing for railway requirements in the local workshops in the Dominion.' RAILWAY TARIFF . The appointment of a commission to inquire into the railway tariff with a view to removing anomalies was suggested in the House by Sir George Hunter (Waipawa). . “If ” replied the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, "the’honourable gentleman will furnish me with a statement of the anomalies that are alleged to exist in. the railway tariff I will be glad to have the matter reported on. In view of the financail stringency I do not consider that the setting up, at heavy cost, of a comission would be justified. UNEMPLOYMENT Renlvinr to a question placed on the Order Paper ’by Mr. G. Mitchell (Wellington South), the Prime Minister staled that every endeavour had been made to provide employment on Government works for all applicants, and in each case returned nreference. It was hoped that tho var. ous local authorities would now make suitable provision for nnv cases arising in their districts, until the de ‘ ma nd absorbed all available labour. SCHOOL REQUISITES AT COST PRICE «m, rtnn C J Parr (Minister of Eduyesterday made the following cation) ♦<rn] ie Department is collect«tatenient. P publishing firms .S t V SV ?eni by "vhich school books, and tArp if ust ted to tho Government for considetation.” INSTRUCTION FOR FARMERS According to tho Minister• of Agriculture (llio Hon. W. Nosworthy) the e.s-tnb’i-hment of a short course of special instruction for farmers at the Vveiaroa Farm is already in contemplation, and it is intended next, winter io do- what is possible in this direction with the lim'teil number of specially trained officers nt present available on the Department’s staff, who «ro already carrying out a large volume of instructional work.