JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1920, Page 2

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent,

WELLINGTON, July 29 GAMING BILL AMENDMENTS.

The Legislative Council bonsidjered the Gaming Bill in Committee to-day, and made a number of important ame id ments. It restored “summary jurisdiction” in charges against bookmakers, tiie Attorney-General saying that accused persons would still be able to elect for trial by jury if they preferred it. Another amendment extended the maximum term of imprisonment in cases of persons charged with betting with bookmakers, to six months, the object being to enable these persons to choose trial by jury if they preferred. A new clause was proposed by Hon W. 11. Triggs, permitting the publication of totalisator dividends. It was adopted. Hon M. Cohen moved to reduce He number of races at a meeting from eight to seven in the winter months. This was adopted. The Council approved also of a i ew clause permitting totalisator hots to be telegraphed to the Secretaries of Racing Clubs on the courses. The proposal to authorise the Double toalisator will be considered by the Council to-morrow. The House is pretty sure to disagree with some of these 'amendments.

A MONEY BILL. An Imprest Supply Bill was' introduced in the House this afternoon. This Bill provides in addition to ordinary funds, the special payments required for the adjustment of the Public Service salaries. PUBLIC SERVICE SALARIES.

I Rt. Hon W. F. Massey made a ! lengthy statement on the subject. He i said that after the claims of three- seii vices of railwaymen had been considered by the Special Boards, the recom- ' mendation of these Boards bad been referred to a Special Committee of the j senior officers, with the object of secure 1 ing uniform increase throughout the Public Service. ! This had been difficult owing to me fact that the three Boards had made different recommendations. The Committee finally recommended an adjust- ' meat of salaries as from April Ist last on the following basis:—£2o per annum for juniors receiving £l4O per annum, or under, and £SO to other mem bers of flip Public Service, the cleriial

divison of the Railway service, Post and Telegraph Department, and other Departments not controlled by the Public Sendee Comissioners.

Tlie Committee further recommended that A.S.R.S. members should have the present bonus cancelled, and receive a new bonus of 3s per day, and that- the Locomcn s’-oukl receive adjustments amounting to approximately 3s <or day, as recommended by the Boards in these two cases. Mr Massey explained that the Government had accepted these recommendations, and was making provision accordingly. Special legislation would be required in order that the payments might be made for any of the additional salary, the Committee had recommended, and that provision should ho. made for fu L . ire adjustments in accordance with the movement- of the cost of living. The nett cost of the increases would he £1,651,685, and the additional levonue required to cover tlie increases in the cases of the Railway Departm :nt and tho Postal Department, would be ensured by the new tariffs now being prepared.

Always something special at the “H. 8.” Ladies glac-e Derby shoes, 21s and 23s 6d pair. Ladies velvet courts 14s 6d, velvet Derbys 16s 6d; also big range of juvenile footwear at the N.Z. Clothing Factory.—Advt.

Messrs Duncan McLean Ltd. of Greymouth notify they have been appointed as" wholesale distributing agents of sugar supplies for the West Coast district.

In this issue Messrs W. Jeffries and Co advertise for immediate private sa!e, tho ferry lease at Waitoto as a going confern, including huts, boats, ord stock.

Mr AY. Robinson, of the local motor garage ,made rather a fine trip yesterday in his “OkLsmobile” car. He left Hokitika yesterday morning, drove to \Yailn> Gorge for passengers and returned here just under 12 hours from starting time. Stops were made at Hari Hari, Waiho and Lake lanthe, but the whole distance of 185 miles was covered without mishap, and the car took all rivers on its,, own power. On Tuesday last Mr Robinson left here at noon, arrived at Waiho at 5 p.m. The car left again at 11 p.m. with a patient for Hokitika and after travelling all night, stopping only at Lake lanthe, arrived here at 6 in the morning.

For Children’s Hacking Cough Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure J A), 2/9. A HOT WATER BOTTLE that will not leak or crack, and will last for years is worth owning. The “UNIQUE”, British made, patent stopper and heavy seams is obtainable everywhere. Look for tho brand when buying.