CAUGHT NAPPING

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 33, 2 November 1934, Page 12

CAUGHT NAPPING

House’s “Super Watch Dog” The laugh was on Mr. D. McDougall (Govt., Mataura) in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr. McDougall had issued an ultimatum the previous day that he would object to all extensions of time except in the case of Ministers of the Crown and the Leader and Deputy-Leader of the Opposition. Yesterday, however, he was caught napping in circumstances which created much merriment.

Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Govt., Waitomo), who was speaking on the Agricultural (Emergency towers) ; Bill, was interrupted by the bell. Mr. F. Langstone (Lab., Waimarino) moved that Mr. Broadfoot’s time be extended. The latter thanked Mr. Langstone for his courtesy, but said he knew what would happen. Several members, however, noticing that Mr. McDougall was reclining in his seat, suggested that Mr. Broadfoot should "give it a go.” “Yes, it would be rather an excellent joke to play on our super watch dog,” said the member for Waitomo almost in a whisper. “Would I be in order in moving that the hon. member’s time be extended?” said Mr. A. M. Samuel (Ind., Thames),' jumping to his feet. The motion was put and carried without a murmur from Mr. McDougall., Mr. H. T. Armstrong (Lab., Christchurch East), to Mr. Broadfoot: What horse have you backed in the cup? Mr. Broadfoot did not say. After thanking the House and remarking that it seemed a pity to disturb the member fop Mataura; he went on with his speech. Just before he sat down he leaned over and almost shouted in Mr. McDougall’s ear: “I thank the hon. member and the House for allowing me an extension.” Mr. McDougall sat up with a start, w'hile the House rocked with laughter. SCHOOL ALLOWANCES Request For Extension ' Regret that in view of the large amount involved a request for payment of boarding allowances for children attending secondary and technical schools could not be granted, was expressed by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon, G. W. Forbes, when replying to a question asked in the House of Representatives yesterday by Mr. K. 3. Holyoake (Motueka). Mr. Holyoake pointed out that tlie Minister of Education, Hon. It. Masters, had reinstated boarding allowances to children attending public primary schools, and asked i? this concession could be extended to children attending secondary schools. In country districts served by railways, the children attending post-primary schools enjoyed free transport, but children living in districts not served by railways enjoyed no concessions whatever.

Mr. Forbes replied that the concession had never been granted to pupils attending secoiidary and technical schools. It was estimated that it would cost at least £lB,OOO to grant the extension asked for by Mr. Holyoake.