DISCUSSING THE ESTIMATES

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10708, 31 August 1912, Page 5

DISCUSSING THE ESTIMATES

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESEN-

TATIVES,

THE RUNANGA ESTATE,

(By Tetyjrapn — jrress association.}

WELLINGTON

Last Night.

The House of Representatives this

afternoon went into Committee on tlio Estimates, and a genera] discussion ensued. ,

Sir Joseph Ward stitcd that lio wanted to draw the attention of the House .to the fact that it had been inferred that there was not much activity being displayed in connection with tho surveying of Crown lands. He quoted figures to show that there was general activity in the matter. He atated that there had boon more surveyors at work in the Auckland district during the past two years than at any other time. Mr G. W. Russell drew attention to a speech delivered by MivMassey recently, that lie would reduce the Government's expenditure. Yet, his own estimates showed an increase,of £454,000 over those of last year.

Mr "J. B. Hine referred to Mr Russell's connection with the purchase of tho Runanga estate, and eaid he thought that, after the Hine charges, such matters would have been better left alone by members.

, Mr ,]. A. Hanan said the purchase of the estate had been for the benefit of the Sfate and the people. Negotiations had been entered into 'for the purchase of the estate three years before Mr Russell became the owner.

Mr Russell said, in connection with the Runanga estate, that he was prepared to meet any committee the House liked to set up. and have thewhole matter thoroughly thrashed «>-.. The H011..W. F. -Massey s-V.-; J.o would take- the first -opportunity.;''ofmoving that the whole matter : •• ;.o-

ferred to the Lands Commit! •••■ -'or investigation and report. Mr .!{••::■>sell and others could then go bofovr- ' the. committee and the 'matter wou'k: be thoroughly- ventilated. H e hopec members would refrain from "again referring to the matter.

Mr G. Lauren son sud, in regard to the ;%creased expenditure, that with the extending of the services of the State it was impossible to obviate expansion in" the expenditure^ Sir Joseph Ward'' said he believed Uje ojl industry was worthy of -the greatest consideration ; but it should' be" carefully dealt with.. . If. an 'expert were secured, his report should not be allowed to be used by private*, individuals or' companies.

Mr Okey contended that the. oil industry was. expanding considerably. He suggested that the High Commissioner should have full reports of tbe progress of the industry. \, , .Mr H. G. Ell said the question of the conservation of the -white ' pine forests for the "supply of timber for butter-and cheese cases was one which required the attention of the Minister. Not'half enough was being done in connection wjth the Forestry Department. An officer should be stationed in each land district,,to induce people to plant, and plant scientifically. If good forests are not obtainable here they should be imported.

The Hon. A. L. Herd man deprecated the making, of temporary appointments to tile public service The pact ■experience had proved tint the system was unsound...' He advocated the election of Education Boards on the same franchise as.-School Committees.

The Hon. J. Allc.i', replying,to Mr Myers-:'' assertion that the Government admitted taking the Estimates from make that, statement, The defence estimates, for instance,'-were nothing like those of the Mackenzie Administration. Over £23,000 had. been cut off; £IO.OOO having been struck off one item. The Government were charged with increasing the expenditure; but they had to provide for the. payment of interest and sinking fund* for the'loans borrowed by their predecessors. This swallowed up £OO.000.

A.general discussion took place on* the first item of the Estimates, traversing the whole appropriations. Mr J. Col via entered a plea for the prosecution of the mining industry.

Mr G. AYitty pleaded for the cheapening of the telephone system, and also for .more consideration, to school teachers.

| Mr G. W. Russell hoped that tho pruning knife would be kept busy in connection with defence. There was a tendency to undue extravagance and ostentatioui. The Government shoukl not allow gold braid and cocked hats to play too great a P«''t i" tn<? c ' tlzon army.

Mr Buxtou asked that when tlio. financial affairs of the country werer being compiled, the assets in. the shape of public buildings, railways, loans to local bodies, and the increased valuo of Crown lands should be placed alongside the liabilities, as was done in any company.

Mr R. McKenzie expressed regret at the absence of tariff revision from the Government proposal's. Particular and immediate attention should bo given to dairy machinery. If the country intended going into the iron industry, now was air opportune time. The Hon. W. F. Mapscy si id surveys had been delayed owing to tlio paucity of surveyors, due to the poor salaries. The salaries had now been raised, and the position had improved considerably.

The .first itaem was pissed, and tho House rose at 11 p.m.