JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 October 1920, Page 2

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, Oct. 1.

FREE OF TAX BONDS

The possibility of arranging for the exchange of four and a half per cent, free of income tax War bonds for tho new five and a half per cent, issue was suggested to the Prime Minister by Dr Thacker (Christchurch East). Mr Massey replied that to give effect to the suggestion, would interfere with" the Government’s finances. If the exchange were made, Government would not be getting what it required. He would be able to make a. statement later on to show the number of four and a half per cent, tax free of debentures now granted, would be reduced before the end of the present year. Part of the ten million loan falling due was made up of these tax free bonds, and they would not be issued. \ Dr Thacker —You can only get £93 now for 4J per cent. Mr Massey’—l would advise you to bujy because it is good.

POST AND TELEGRAPH. I Is it the intention by the Government to place the whole of Post and (Telegraph Deparment under the control of the Public Service Commissioner, was an assumed question asked the post-master-general. Hon J. G. Coates replied that he would make a statement within a few days. The question was whether it was intended to bring thtt Post and Telegraph Service under tho control of the Commissioner. Some action as contemplated, but it was not exactly in the direction suggested. DUTY ON CEMENT. The President of the Board of Trade (Hon Lee), stated that Government had permitted the importation of a certain amount of cement, subject to a refund of duty, tlie distribution to be controlled by the Board of Trade. IE necessary, a further amount of cement would be allowed to enter the country duty free, but in all cases this must bo done through the Board. The duty was to be paid and a refund applied for.