POLITICAL MOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1928, Page 1

POLITICAL MOTES

WELLINGTON, September 18. HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES. That’the question of reducing taxation on commercial motor vehicles is hot one for hasty decision was emphasised by the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives to-day, when replying to a question by Mr 11. At more (Nelson). Mr Atmore asked whether it was the intention of the .Government to give legislative effect this session to the recommendation of the Industries air Commerce Committee that some relief, should be afforded owners of such vehicles. “ It is an economic question, and a very comprehensive one,” said the Prime Minister in reply. “Whether i! is necessary to reduce the minimum rate of taxation by legislation has not by any means been established, to my mind lit all events. The whole question of a reduction in heavy traffic lees involves quite a large number of loca' authorities. 1 need only point to the case of Wellington to illustrate the difficulty which would occur. OtW local bodies throughout Now Zealand have drawn my attention to the fact that any reduction made in the heavy traffic fees would have to be met by some other form of revenue. A deputation from the carrying interests wailed u])on me recently, and I intimate-, to them that tho Government would carefully investigate their request tlia the whole question of fees should b ‘ reviewed. 1 am not certain that it is necessary to have legislation, unless £5 is considered to he too heavy a minimum fee, and I don’t know th,“ to can he considered too heavy a minimum. The request was for a reduction, Imt no stated amount was set out . That would require some very earelul consideration, as the finance of nearly every local authority in New Zealand is involved.”

PAY OP WOMEN TEACHERS. Contending that the differentiation in the salaries of male and female school teachers is contrary to the elementary and cardinal rules of natural justice, subversive of efficiency, ana conducive to antagonism instead of coordination, over 100 women • teachers petitioned Parlaiment to-day, through Mr T. Forsyth (Wellington East), for the repeal of the existing regulations on the subject, and the introduction of ii pew scale of salaries, in winch there

would he no discrimination , except in respect to allowances for domestic responsibilities. Petitioners/Claimed: that salaries should he based.on efficiency,, and the differentiation on the ground of sex alone could hht"possibly be justified in principle or oit'any ground ‘of expediency, i OPPOSITION SEAT CHANGES. There was a significant • change in front bench Opposition, seating arrange, ments when, the House of Representatives met this afternoon. It was seen that Sir Joseph Ward, the newly-elect-ed leader of the United Party, had moved up from the extreme corner near the gangway to the central seat formerly occupied -by Air Forbes, leader ol the Nationalists, who had, in turn, moved to the corner seat near the gangway. ) As the Opposition elements usually place their most prominent figures in front, a survey of that part of the House is interesting. Commencing from the end nearest Air Speaker, there is Mr E. J. Howard (Christchurch South), who has with'him in the same bench, Air All J. Savage, deputy loadet of tho Labour Party in Parliament. The next seat is shared between Mill E. Holland (Leader of tho Opposition) and Mr P. Eraser (Wellington Central). On their left hand comes Sir Joseph Ward (in Mr Forbes’s old place) and Air T. M. Wifford (Hntt). a member ol the United Paity and a former Liberal Atinister. The final Opposition front bench contains Mr Atmore (Nelson), always a declared Independent, hut now appearing as il lie, too, had come within the orbit of the now party, as lie enjoys the company of All- Forbes. However; tins mav have no political significance.