THE PUBLIC WORKS FUND.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 4996, 8 April 1895, Page 3

THE PUBLIC WORKS FUND.

The following referenco to this Electorate appeared in W. G. Hutchison's Wanganui speech:— "Some members, highly favoured as to Totea last session, received considorablo "kudos" from their constituents for their successful representation of local demands. Quite a new political industry seems to have been discovered in connection with these votes. One honourable member has been turning his succoss to good account. Holms been receiving testimonials and purses of sovereigns from his grateful constituents in recognition of the favorable expenditure promised. At the festive occasion when theso tributes were to bo presented Ministers of the Crown were announced as lending the approval of their presence. On the last occasion—when the contributions had in the particular case referred to mounted up to close on £2OO-tho Minister of Labour promised to bopresent,butunfortunately could not attend. He sent a telegram, however, which throwsan instructive light on the process by which members may, with the assistance of the Ministry, add a few pounds to thoir regular salaries. Mr Reeves telegraphed to express " pleasure at lh honourable mcniber'sunfJincliing loyalty to his party boing so fitly recognised," " Fitly recognised "is distinctly »ood. Of course, to reward such" unllinchin? loyally" votes must appear on tho estimates so that the honourable member maybe enabled to draw the subscriptions of his constituents. But as it is evident that on an average only about two thirds of the money annually appropriated for expenditure on public works is actually expended, it may be prudent for constituents to be guarded in their recognition of thoir members zeal and success. Twenty-five percent, down on the vote being obtained, with the balance on the work being done, subject to proportionate rebate if the money voted only be partly spent, would seem to be a reasonable tariff by which to regulate contributions by constituents, and such a schedule as the Government could not reasonably object to in the circumstances. As it is, this year there has been much gnashing of teeth among the faithful as the end of the financial period approached for which the money has been voted and after which the votes" lapse." Each session, however, some members are propitiated, although some piomises are broken. Sugar for their tongues, salt for their tails! Such is tho working of the Public Works Fund,