HIGHWAYS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 12, 9 October 1928, Page 13

HIGHWAYS

Sir,—One’s recent researches into the mysteries of national administration lead one to ask a question. It is this: Can you give me any sound explanation of why the Minister of Lands (which may be called a primary industry portfolio) is also Minister for Industries and Commerce, which may be called a secondary industry portfolio*? It seems strange that the same Minister should hold the portfolios of two very important interests which, except in after-dinner speeches, are usually growling at eaefi other. There was a time, not so long ago, when the present Minister of Finance and Customs was also Minister for Industries and Commerce, and, surely, this was a common-sense arrangement. We do not hear much of this latter portfolio, but I should imagine that most of the questions that it deals with are closely related to finance and Customs and tariff. And what Mr. Downie Stewart does not know about them is not worth learning. Let me illustrate my point by a recent occurrence. Owners of heavy motor vehicles, who are commercial men, petitioned the House for a reduction of heavy motor vehicles’ fees, although expert opinion holds that these particular vehicles do tlie bulk of the damage to country roads and culverts. The petitions were considered by the Industries and Commerce Committee, composed mainly of business men. They upheld the petition. But if those petitions had been sent to tlie Agricultural Committee the decision would doubtless have been the reverse, for if the fees are reduced the country ratepayers, most probably, or failing them the general taxpayer, will have to make up the resulting deficit in highways revenue.

How can one Minister, holding two such conflicting portfolios, advise Cabinet in such a case as this'? I raise the question now because it is likely to receive attention in the country electorates in the coming election. —I am. etc.. PUZZLED. Wellington, October 8.