EVIDENCE NOT READY

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 80, 5 April 1938, Page 12

EVIDENCE NOT READY

REPORT TO BE STUDIED

It was agreed that the Committee should sit from Tuesdays to Fridays, inclusive, and on sitting days from 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2,30 p.m. to 5,30 p.m.

The Prime Minister suggested an adjournment until 2.30 p.m., and this was supported by Mr. Kyle, who said an adjournment would enable members to study the Government's proposals.

Mr. Nash said representatives from the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association would be,in Wellington this week, probably on Thursday orjFriday, to give evidence on behalf iof returned soldiers throughout New Zealand. Representatives of the insurance companies would be heard later, and the friendly societies had also asked to be heard. Those were the three major bodies that. had approached ..the Government to give evidence.

"I am doubtful if it will be practicable for the Committee to meet this afternoon," Mr. Nash added. "I doubt if it is worth while. The Minister of Health (the Hon. P. Fraser) has a complete report prepared by the Health Committee last year, and he proposes to make it available to the Committee. If it can be made available this morn-

ing members of the Committee could examine it this afternoon."

ACTUARIAL REPORT.

Mr. Kyle asked when the Committee would receive an actuarial report.' Mr. Nash said the Actuary was working on the proposals, and his report would be avaiJable later with all evidence regarding costs.

The^ Chairman: I am sure it would meet the wishes of the Committee to have that report.

Mr. Holland asked what was to- be the. procedure regarding reports the Committee might wish to study, particularly the Actuary's report and the report he, presumed Treasury would make.-

Mr. Savage said the Committee was entitled to have any information available and it would be the job of the Government .to provide the information sought. "Within reason, of course," he added. "We can't be expected to tell what is happening in Greenland' or Timbuktu." The Government would produce evidence to show on what the proposals were founded and it was up to anyone who opposed those proposals to show where they were wrong. At the request of the Chairman, Mr. A. G. Shrimpton, hon. secretary of the Dominion Friendly Societies' Council, said he expected the Dominion Council /would meet at,an early date to prepare evidence. He considered at least ten days would be required to prepare it .-■■■■ Mr. Savage: I'm bound to say, Mr. Chairman, that if everyone wants ten days' breathing space, we may as well go home. ■ \ : ■ . POSSIBILITY OF "STONE-WALL." What Mr. Shrimpton had said, he added, reminded him of the possibility of a "stone-wall." The Committee woulcf do anything to meet the friendly societies or anyone else, but it would' not wait ten days to make astart. He hoped those who wanted to give evidence would make a point of appearing as soon as possible. , The Chairman asked if the evidence of individuals was to be taken. Mr. Savage said his opinion was that evidence should come from organised bodies. If the Committee, took evidence from individuals! who might or might not know anything about the sußject they would, be there for ever. He moved that individuals could'express eviden.ce in writing to the Committee and the Committee would decide whether or/not the witness should be heard. If a witness was allowed to appear he would have to do so at his own expense. This motion was carried. Mr. Savage then mnyed that' the Committee should.be supplied with the evidence taken by the Health Committee and then adjourn until 10.30 a.m. tomorrow. . • The Committee adjourned at 11.55 a.m. ■■ ■■■■'■ ' ■