PARLIAMENT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 28 July 1916, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON. July 25. At the evening sitting an Imprest Supply Bill, appropriating .£971,800 was introduced by Governors Message. On th° motion to go hit} committee of Supply. Mr Ell drew attention to the delay in bringing down the annual Railways Statement, and ventilated alleged grievances of workmen. Air Payne urged the Government to formulate a scheme for finding employment for disabled returned soldiers . The Hon. Herries took occasion to reply to the remarks made on the Railways Statement. He said the returns had been published in April last, so members had been aware of the finances for the last three months. Even without the £200.000 derived from increased rates, he believed we should have had a record year. Our earnings had increased from £3 10s 7d per cent to £4 14s 4d. There was every indication that the next statement would prove equally satisfactory. He denied the statement that the rolling/ stock was not in a satisfactory condition, ,s there should be the greatest care taken

to see that the rolling stock was thoroughly fit to go on the rails. There were many demands for expenditure on the railways, but the money, in consequence of the war, was not available. He admitted that many works, such as station buildings and sidings, were necessary, but these could not be carried out unless members favoured an extensive borrowing policy for public works. He denied favouritism in expenditure in the Auckland district, but certain engage ments had been entered into there which had to be carried out. While the war lasted money could not be obtained for the railways. He was afraid inconvenience to the public would undoubtedly result in view of the necessary accommodation required at Wellington, Lyttelton and Auckland.

Mr. Witty urged that criticism of the Government was necessary. He said the Government should introduce legislation dealing with the cost of diving. He wanted to see food and cloth-

in)gl dealt with the same as rent ha« j been. In his opinion it would have j been wiser to have reducced the cost j of living in preference to raising : wages. Mr Massey interposed to defend the attitude of the Government on the purchase of wheat from Canada in 1915. He said the loss on the transaction was about £40,000. Mr Jennings voiced the wants of the back-blocks settlers, commenting upon the alleged prevalence of land aggregation . said if he could not prove his allegations before a commission of inquiry he would resign nts seat. Mr Webb sympathised with the way the back blocks settlers had been treated, and vigorously protested against the action of the Public Works Department in not putting votes op the estimates for new works. ! At, 11.40 the House went into Committee of Ways and Means, the Bill was put through its remaining stages, and the House rose at 11.50.