Cost of a Royal Commission.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 18 July 1891, Page 2

Cost of a Royal Commission.

. It has been stated that -the coat of | the inquiry into the working of the Public Trust Commission has been, up to now, £8000, but— arid that is the peculiar part in connection with the appointments— no. arrangement was entered into with' the three Eoyal Commissioners a.s , to the remuneration they were to receive! This is a splendid example of the : open - handed manner the great " Liberal " party deals with other people's money. The Premier, the Colonial Treasurer, was cognisant of there being some '£80,000 to £90,000 credit balance in this Trust Depart- , ment, and why should it be there ? Three excellent men could be made happier with a portion df it; if so, why not ? The instructions were therefore issued "go on, and prosper," and Parliament will allow you to prosper also. It is evident that the Commissioners have taken the hint, as they sat severity five days, wanted to sit as many more, and now only ask for ten guineas a day each! a small item of some £2250 for two and a half, months work. Thirty guineas a day to propound innumerable, unnecessary, and offensive questions 1 why not? each question occupied a sum of close on ?ix shillings, therefore the greater number of questions, the greater remuneration to the Boyal f!ommissioriers. It is suggested the Parliament will not value the services of the Commissioners at tbeir estimate, but it will be seen that the party in power will be truly " liberal " in this respect. ■■- ;