POLITICAL JOTTINGS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1922, Page 1

POLITICAL JOTTINGS.

PUBLIC SERVICE DISMISSALS. WELLINGTON, Jan. 23 A statement that men had been dismissed from the Public Service on account of their religious beliefs was made in the Mouse of Representatives recently bv Mr R. A. Wright. The Prime Minister stated that the charge would be investigated. The matter was mentioned again Lonight by Mr H. E. Holland, who asked what had been done. The Prime Minister said that lie did not think it would be necessary to submit the matter to enquiry. He believed that there would be an explanation forthcoming that would be satisfactory to all concerned. The affair would not need to go further. Mr Holland: The charges were very direct. Mr Massey: The honourable mtmher will hear the explanation. I think even the member for Muller will he satisfied. The member for Wellington Suburbs is not present now, or else, I am sure, he would he ready to make the explanation. OFFICIAL “YEAR BOOK.”

Replying to a question in the House of Representatives 10-niglil; the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon W. Downic Stewart) stated that He had arranged for the 1922 issue of the “N.fL Vtar Book” to he as full as possible. He realised the importance of the book as a York oi releionce. fie was trying to avoid the duplication of information in the Government publications, and to tlial end the "Year iff,ok” would contain references to departmental reports aud other documents, instead of repeating; the matter contained in the reports. The .Minister promised to enquire concerning a complaint made by the Leader o! the Labour Party (Mr Holland) that the information in the current "Year Book” about widow’s pensions was inaccurate. FIRE BLIGHT. Replying to Mr Harris, the Hon AY. Nosworthy said legislation was now being prepared dealing with fi:e blight, and if it could be got ready in time, it would be brought down this session. WIRELESS. Replying to Mr Fraser, .Air Massey said lie would consult the Minister of Marine with a view to compelling al! ships trading out of Now Zealand to carry wireless.