PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1915, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. By Telegraph.—Pros Assoclaton. i Wellington, Last Night. v THE ESTIMATES. . , The House went into' committee of supply on the Estimates, those for Ltgblative Departments being taken fl?»t. The vote of £37,323 was passed, tad' Finance, £165,402, was also passed. Discussing the estimates for the Po»t and Telegraph Department, several members urged extension of the slot telephone system. Sir Joseph War 4 Mid it was all a matter of money; each tele-' phone cost £65. HnwoUld look into tile suggestion after the session. A number of questions were asked in reference to details connected with the Department, and were answered by the Mini*, tor, and the total vote of £1,294,504 wis : passed. ' / THE RAILWAY VOTE., ■ '\ Class IV, Working Railways Depart* merit, £2,020,000. A number of complaints were voiced by members. Mr. Anstey pointed out that if the Miss were raised it would drive more traffle ' to the road. Mr. Hornsby asked for M improved service to Wairarapa. Mr. Witty asked as to duties of commercial agent for railways. Mr. Wilford asked as to permanent casuals. Mr. Wilkip&ra wanted speeding up of the New Plymouth train. Hon. W. H .Herries explained that tea per cent, increase was calculated on the present tariff. It was advisable to make other changes as money available, and speeds were being improved. It was found that American engines were quite satisfactory, and drivers ' liked them. The question of suburban trafile . had to be considered in conjunction With the main- traffic. If country districts did not • make such urgent claims for mail train* to atop 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 ajrainst management. Replying to 'further questions, the Minister said Mr. Hi ley was still raanagJug (he raifways, and had not gone OVfr to tlie Defence liepartment; that thq matter of a dining car on the Napief i line was being considered, and it wonld probably be tried daring the coming summer; eoal had to be obtained from Newcastle, as New Zealand mines could not 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 wis largely for tlie police to inquire into, it i was a constant source of trouble to the Railway .Department. The vote was passed shortly after midnight. Class V, Police Building, Domains, and Maintenance of f!oads £123,750, and iClusa VI, Native Department, £25,583, were passed without comment, and the. House rose.