SLACK PROCEDURE

Evening Star, Issue 17191, 5 November 1919, Page 8

SLACK PROCEDURE

SHARP LESSON TO PARLIAMENT.

(From Qua Paruamentaby Eepoetek.]

WELLINGTON, November 5. Many things which are slipshod pass muster during the end of the session rush, but the Leader of the Opposition during the early hours of yesterday, when in committee on the Finance Bill, considered that the limit had been reached, and made a spirited protest. He had asked the meaning of clause 16, the Minister of Finance informing him that it enabled the sessional bonuses paid to Ministers’ secretaries to count in computing their superannuation allowance. ; Sir Joseph Ward suggested that it would create a precedent, because the Government, by reason of their consideration for secretaries, would have no chance of withstanding a demand from the whole Public Service to, include the two millions of bonuses in the amount to, be calculated for superannuation.. Sir Joseph Ward’s protest fell on indifferent ears, the clause passing on the voices. The next clause sought to authorise local bodies to erect war memorials.

Mr Wright suggested the inserting of a provision for a poll of the ratepayers to authorise any loan for the purpose. Sir James Allen, who was in charge of the Bill, was doubtful' whether it did not already provide for this. Mr Malcolm, Chairman of Committees, anxious to see the business progress, at 1.30 a.m. put the amendment, declaring : “The Xoes have it.”

Though this was doubtful when Mr v\ right suggested that the decision might be wrong. Mr Malcolm remarked : “My advice to the hon; member is to see the Minister privately, and tell him what lie desires.”

Tho Leader of the Opposition immediately nut in a protest against such a proceeding. “I would not be dictated to bv the Chairman of Committees to see a Minister.'’ he declared. “This is a matter before Parliament, and the Chairman is here to give rulings, not to tell members whnt to do. 1 don’t know where we are. We had something voted on, but no statement whether we negatived it or not. Me have passed a bonus business, which_ is the most iniquitous thing ever done in this country. It means that in connection wila two millions in bonuses paid during the last two years somebody next session will be asked to put them nn tbo superannuation fund, and the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance sit here and allow it to be done.” 'Tlio Chairman of Committees reminded the speaker that clause 15 had been carried.

Mr Ell ; We can recommit it. Sir Joseph Ward : And strike it out, It is outrageous.

T_ne Bill pas-ed through comn-iii'je. ■Sir Joseph _Ward then moved to recommit clause 10, pointing out that it was providing something for a section of the Public .Service which would lead to a larger demand. He would prefer to give secretaries a permanent increase in salary. Mr Massey : .So far as I am concerned, I am prepared to have it .struck out. The Government members consequently made no objection to the recommittal of the danse, which was deleted on Sir Joseph Ward's motion. The Minister of Finance mentioned that the .Superannuation Board had not objected to the clause.