PARLIAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 11, 11 September 1915, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

JPBK I’ItKSH ABSOOIACi'»N. Wellington, September 10. The House v ent into committee of supply on the Estimates, those for Legislative Departments being taken first. The vote of £37,323 was passed, and Finance, £l6-5,402, was also passed. Discussing the estimates for the Lost and Telegraph Department, several members urged extension of the slot telephone system. Sir Joseph Ward said it was all a matter of money; each telephone cost £65. He would look into the suggestion after the session, A number of questions were asked in reference to details connected with the Department and were answered by the Minister, and the total vote of £1,294,504 was passed. THE RAILWAY VOTE. Class IV., Working Railways Department, £2,920,000. A number of compaliuts were voiced by members. Mr Anstey pointed out that if the rates were raised it would drive more traffic to the road. Mr Hornsby asked for an improved service to Wairarapa. Mr Witty asked as to duties of commercial agent for railways. Mr Wilford a sited ns to permanent casuals. Mr Wilkinson wanted speeding up of the New Plymouth train. Hon. W. H. Merries explained that ten per cent, increase was calculated on the present tariff. It was advisable to make other changes ag money was available, and speeds were being improved. . It was found that American engines were quite satisfactory, and drivers liked them. The question of suburban traffic had to be considered in conjunction with the main traffic. If country districts did not make such urgent claims for mail trains to stop at their stations the speed of express 'trains might be improved. The commercial agent had proved a very useful officer, as, being a business man, lie was able to personally inquire into -grievances against management. Replying to further questions, the Minister said Mr Hiley was still managing the railways, and had not gone over to the Defence Department; that the matter of dining car on the*Napier line was being considered, and it would probably be tried during the coming summer; coal bad to.be obtained from Newcastle," as New Zealand mines could nob supply all orders, while the bars at times on the West Coast caused delay to steamers; that the advisability of supplying a new railway pass for members was being considered; that the matter of pilfering at flag stations was largely for the police to inquire into, it was a constant source of trouble to'the Railway Department.

The vote wag passed shortly after midnight. Class V., Police Building, Domains, and Maintenance of Roads £123,750, and Class VI.. Native Department, £25,563, were passed without ■ comment, and the House rose.