"NO CORRUPTION"

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 37, 13 February 1930, Page 8

"NO CORRUPTION"

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT A MINISTER'S TRIBUTE Kcsponding to the toast of "Parliament," proposed by Mr. W. M. Pago, at the annual dinner of the Now Zealand Institute of Architects last evening, the Hon. H. Atrnore (Minister of Education) referred to his experience as a member of tho House for many years past, and said he wished to pay his tribute to our legislative body: that he knew of no case of corruption in connection with the New Zealand Parliament. This fact, he added, was not surprising when one considered that this country was settled by perhaps the finest colonising stock that ever left tho Home shores. As had been stated by Thomas Arnold, saM Mr. Atmore, those who camo out here were determined "to found a young country free from the conventionalities of the Old World." The Minister said that in many respects New. Zealand had taken a lead in passing advanced legislation. For instance, our original Old-Age Pensions Act was copied' by Groat Britain, and many other advanced measures passed by the New Zealand Parliament had formed the basis, of measures adopted by other countries. At timess Parliament was accusod of being dull, but, as had been well said, "If wo had not some dull men in Parliament, it would not be fully representative." (Laughter.) Parliament was just what tho people carod to make it. Many men preferred to stay outsido and criticise Parliament. An old member, however, became somewhat oblivious to criticism. When ono was intensely interested in his work lie could regard himself as lucky, as well as feel happy, and be somewhat indifferent to criticism. Tho Minister said that Parliament was not unmindful of the claims and the work of architects in private practice. Many prominent public buildings were to be erected in the near future according to plans prepared by private architects —one of such being the Massey Agricultural College, which would cost £90,000. He assured the Institute that Parliament was determined to see that private enterprise had every chance to play its part in designing public buildings.