GALLERY GLEANINGS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 149, 20 March 1931, Page 10

GALLERY GLEANINGS

What Members Say IDEAS, VIEWS, AND QUIPS “Our action in supporting the Government has resulted in the postponement of this present wage-cut for at least a year.”—M;. C. H. Chapman (Labour, Wellington North). “Sitting as one of the Economy Committee, I thought to myself that what is happening is that civilisation has nearly ham-strung itself with its humanity.”—Sir Apirana Ngata, in referring to the huge cost of social services. “The present system of producing for profit is ceasing to be profitable for many.”—Mr. W. J. Jordan (Lab., Manukau). “If we carry out the doctrine that the more we have produced the less we have to eat, New Zealand will soon earn the reputation it deserves of being the lunatic asylum for the rest of the world.” — Mr. H. T. Armstrong (Lab., Christchurch East). Railway Rents Reference to the question of railway workers’ house rents raised by the Leader of the Opposition on Wednesday was made last evening by the Minister of Railways, Hon. W. A. Veitch, who said it had been estimated that the loss on railway houses for this financial year would be £78,000. The Railway Commission recommended that certain additions be made to the rents so as to reduce the loss to £40,000. As a result of a new system of rent charging, however, the estimated loss would be reduced to £43,000. The new basis of fixing the rents came into operation on February 1, but it became immediately obvious that the increase was more than a fair thing. That was admitted, and the Minister said he had appointed the assistant general manager of railways to go into the whole question. That officer had been given power to act, and in every case where he considered the rent was inequitable he had the authority to make a reduction. “Kookaburra” Member A tilt at Mr. W. J. Polson (Ind., Stratford) was taken by Mr. R. Semple (Lab., Wellington East), last evening. He said a great deal had been expected of the member for Stratford when he entered the House. He came with a well-known name, and everyone had waited with bated breath, for it was. believed he would shake the very foundations of the Government and lead the House in the narrow path of political righteousness. As time went on the member for Stratford faded away, he contributed nothing, and now he was regarded by those who knew him best as the greatest political kookaburra that ever entered the chamber. Mr. Speaker: I think the hon. member should withdraw that word. Mr. Semple: Very well, sir, I will; but I was going to liken him to an Australian bird that laughs, and laughs, and Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Semple: Yes, sir, I withdraw the word. (Laughter.) Transcending Tradition A statement that although he was a Maori member and a Maori Minister, he had had a good deal to do with the Government’s decisions concerning economy proposals, was made by the Minis ter of Native Affairs, Sir Apirana Ngata, who justified his action in “butting in” upon purely pakeha affairs contrary to the tradition of native members. ' Sir Apirana was saying that the Government’s task was a most unpleasant one and he assured members that it would not have been undertaken unless it had been absolutely necessary, when he was interrupted by Mr. J. McCombs (Lab., Lyttelton), with the remark: “You did not make the decision.” “I had a good deal to do with it,” replied the Minister. “Though a Maori member and a Maori Minister, I think I had something to do with it. Up to a point it has been the tradition for Maori members and Ministers not to ‘but in’ in matters that are purely pakeha subjects. This has gone far beyond that; it is affecting all of us.” His remark was greeted with a certain amount of applause from the Government and Opposition benches. Too Much Borrowing “There is no doubt that this country has been borrowing too much money and spending too much borrowed money,” declared the Minister of Railways, Hon. W. A. Veitch, last evening. “The time has come when we should learn to live on less and borrow less.” The Hon. W. D. Stewart (Ref., Dunedin West) : We said that twelve months ago.