ROYAL VISIT

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 101, 26 October 1934, Page 10

ROYAL VISIT

GOVERNMENT EXPENSES

THE CHIEF ITEMS

MR. COATES EXPLAINS

An outline of the expenditure of £40,000 which tho Government has allocated for the visit of the Duke of Gloucester was given in the House of Representatives today by the Minister of Finance- (the Bt. Hon. ,T. G. Coates) during tho consideration of the Supplementary Estimates.

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. M. J. Savage) asked whether the Minister of Finance could give an outline of tho expenditure. While everyone thought that New Zealand should act decently in its welcome to the Duke of Gloucester, it was also hoped that, the .money would be spent in such a way as would benefit the greatest possible number of people. In doing the right thing to the Royal visitor, they should not throw money away. The Minister of Finance (the Kt. Hon. J. G. Coates) said that tho principal items of expenditure would be transport services. £15,000; nativo celebrations, £3000; schoolchildrenV gatherings, £3000; subsidies to local bodies. £3000; accommodation and transport, £10,900} decorations and illuminations, £2000.

Mr. E. A. Wright (Government, Wellington Suburbs) asked whether the police who escorted the Duke during his tour would receive a small gratuity. Ho said that the members of the force who had escorted tho Prince of Wales had been granted a small gratuity. Mr. Coates said that it was too early to state whether the gratuity would be paid, but the matter would be considered when the arrangements for the visit were being made.