FREE GOVERNMENT LUNCHEONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3998, 17 September 1929, Page 3

FREE GOVERNMENT LUNCHEONS.

A suggestion that in future when

notable visitors to New Zealand, particularly Allies of Great Britain during the war, were being entertained by the Goveimment returned soldier members of the House sho-

uld he invited was made by - Mr. J. A. Nash (Reform, Palmerston) in the House of 'Representatives on Friday. Mr. Nash said they had in the House men who had given their services to the country during : the war, and it was only right they sho-

uld be /remembered when visitors to the country were being* entertained. Mr., A. Harris (Reform, Wttjtemata) supported Mr. Nash. The /Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. P. A. de la perrelle) said when the French naval men were here two members from each side of the House were invited to luncheon. If there was a general desire on the part of members to be present at such luncheons, he Avould be prepared to go into the matter.

The Leader of the La-bong Party (Mr. H. E. Holland) said be hoped the Minister would not carry out his* threat to go into the matter. ■Big luncheons, to which everybody v as invited, meant considerable expense and loss of time. Much mo-

ney had been spent in the past merely for the sake of, having a number of people sit down ailtT eat. He would not object to a reception, but lie thought they ought to cut out the eating part of it, although he was not suggesting they should devote themselves solely to dfrinking. (Laughter).