PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 178, 28 July 1913, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

NOTES FROM THE GALLERY. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. ! PENSIONERS AND THE POLICE COURT. It is evident that legislators, who in nearly every case have a very tender regard for the old age pensioners, do! not like the present system of hearing' pension applications, with necessary at-; tendance at a police court. Magistrates have recognised that the examination of the aged applicants regarding their private a.lTairs is not the thing to be done in the full glare of publicity. They make pension sittings of the eouTt as private as possible, but the opinion is gaining ground, and it is shaTed by the Hon. Mr. Fisher (Minister in charge of the system) that pensioners should not be required to go near a police court. One of his interjections during the second reading Jebatc on the Pensions Bill showed that he is in favour of placing the whole responsibility for granting pensions upon the shoulders of the registrars. THE BUDGET. The Financial Statement, expected to come down next Friday, has been somewhat delayed owing to the vaccination indisposition of the Finance Minister, who made a brief appearance in the House on Friday for the first time during the week. The date now mentioned for the arrival of the Budget is Tuesday. August Sth. SHOPS AND OFFICES BILL. It will be interesting for a large number of people who are more or less concerned in the Shops and Offices Amendment Bill to know that the measure will come before the Labour Bills Committee for consideration next Friday.