JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1920, Page 3

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

DEFENCE ESTIMATES,

WELLINGTON, Aug. 28

The Defence estimates occupied the House until nearly midnight. Mr Wilford stated that the British Admiralty was claiming a huge sum from the Dominion for services during the war and that an ofticerjiad been sent to England tv> negotiate the matter. He asked for information. He drew from Mr Massey a statement that the Admiralty was claiming a very large sum probably between half a million and a million Hon Rhodes replying to a question, stated that the Defence Department proposed to effect economies by reducing the number of military districts to three, one in the South Island and two in the North Island. This arrangement would reduce the staffs and effect a saying,

Mr Holland moved to reduce the Defence vote as an indication that the expenditure ought to be reduced, and was defeated by 4& votes to 9. CUSTOMS ESTIMATES, i

The Customs Marine and Labour estimates were taken before the House rose. Mr Wilford moved a reduction of the Customs vote by £IO,OOO as an indication that customs taxation should he taken off the necessaries of life and placed on large estates, large incomes and death duties. This amendment was defeated without discussion by 31 to 16. The Labour men voted with Mr Wilford.