LOBBY GOSSIP AND NEWS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 30, 24 July 1902, Page 6

LOBBY GOSSIP AND NEWS.

The Government cannot see their way to reduce the ohargei on telephones. If inquiries, which are now being made, prove satisfaotorj, Marconi a system of wireless telegraphy will be established between this Colony and the Chatham Islands. 'The increased expenditure on defence is appalling.'— A remark by Mr Gilfedder, whioh was received with marks of approval. The Government are preparing a text book on forettry, whioh will be published shortly. A superannuation scheme for prison officials is under consideration. A deputation of members waited on Mr. McGowan the other day for the purpose of bringing under his notice certain grievance* under which asylum attendants labored. The deputation said there were numerous complaints from attendants at the long hours they were compelled to be on duty. It might be laid their work was light ; but the Minister, from his knowledge the trying nature of the work, would admit that it was harder than physical work. The skilled attendants, too, did not receive the rate of pay given to persons in similar positions outside. Mr Field remarked that at present asylum attendants were working 3910 honrs a year, as oompared with 2172 hours worked by the ordinary working man. He believed many more of the best attendants would leave Bhortly unless a better state of things was brought about. Mr Bollard said attendants also complained of the irregular manner in whioh they were paid. The Minister, in reply, said he was inclined to think that the pay did nut compare so badly with other servioes, beoaust tho attendants got rations, board and lodging, etc. He admitted the hours were long, and it was basauae of that the men got so many holidays and relief from duty. They got their full day off every fortnight, and 28 days in the year. He would consult his collegues, and if they were prepared to add one-third to the staff an eight-hour day could be provided, but that would mean inoreased accommodation, which was already very circumscribed.