THAT CUSTOMS EXPERT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2191, 21 September 1907, Page 1

THAT CUSTOMS EXPERT.

HIS ENGAGEMENT TO BE TERMINATED. THE GENERAL QUESTION OF TRAVELLING ALLOWANCES. Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. -19. When the House of Representatives met -;rt 2.30 p.m., Mr. Laurouson 'asked the Minister tor Customs a question without notice, as to whether it was a fact that tlie Customs Expert had a right to recommend when fines should be inflicted, and whether the same officer received a portion of the fines so inflicted. Mr. Laurenson said he had been informed that this was the case from a reliable source. He further asked the Minister if he had taken any steps to terminate the Customs Expert’s agreement. Mr. Miller stated that the inform-

ation was incorrect as the fines were imposed by the secretary, and the Customs Expert received no portion of the fines; but under his original agreement he was entitled to receive a portion of the fines inflicted in a Court of 1 iw. but he had not drawn any money from this .sou rice for some years. The total amount the Expert'had received from this source was £232 during a term of 20 years. He (Mr. Miller) had given notice to terminate the Expert’s agreement on

the 30th of June next. Mr. Masesy asked tho Premier when he proposed to have an inquiiy into the matter of travelling all-ow-

The Premier stated that he proposed to refer the case of the Customs Expert to the Commerce Committee next week. n Mr. Massey said that he understood that the whole matter of travelling allowances was to be enquired into, and not only the Customs Expert. The Premier said the general question of travelling allowances was a matter for the Executive, and lie did not propose to refer tibait to -the Com"''mic' Grey said he understood that tho whole matter of travelling allowances was to be- gone into. He had another case of’ an officer drawing a large travelling allowance, but he did not propose to give his name until be bad enquired further into the matter. He added that' a feeling of unrest prevailed, and lie reiterated the statement that he believed thPremier had given an assurance to the House that 1 the whole system of travelling allowances would be enquired into. The Premier stated that whatever he said he would do ho was prepared to do. _