POLITICAL POINTS

Evening Star, Issue 19061, 2 October 1925, Page 12

POLITICAL POINTS

[From Ouu Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 1. MR.SPEAKER’S JOKE. Judging merely by appearance, tho Hon. C. E. Stathara, in ilia capacity as Speaker of the House of Representatives, must have no sense of humor; hut in the final stage of the session he allowed himself latitude, and worked off a good practical joke when he selected as tellers on the division for the adjournment such political opposites as Mr M'Combs and Mr Lysnar for tho “Ayes.” and Mr Isitt and Mr Witty for the “Noes.” As the “ Noes ” tellers are not coming back to Parliament there was a further point in placing them in line with those who did not want the adjournment. These turned out to be in a majority of five, but Mr Speaker left the chair, and will not resume it iu the present Parliament. * «■ * » PUBLIC FINANCE SCRUTINY. The Public Accounts Committee, in its final report on tho session’s work, states that it called sixty-three departmental heads before it when considering the Estimates. It had requested the Government in future to elaborate the items for travelling expenses, and not to mention thorn in a lump sum on the Estimates. All departmental motor vehicles should carry tho official designation so as to restrict their nsc for private purposes. The committee expressed satisfaction that the provision for departmental balance-sheets is now receiving more attention.

RETIRING PARLIAMENTARIANS, Four members of the present Parliament have definitely stated that they will not contest the election.—viz.. Sir Heaton Rhodes (Ellesmere), the Hon. D. H. Guthrie (Oroua), Mr AVitly (Riecarton), and Air ]sitt (Christchurch North). “They have given a life’s service to their country, and I hope they will enjoy their leisure," was the remark of the Prime Minister, which was heartily endorsed from all parts of t he House Sir Heaton Rhodes expressed his appreciation of the kind remarks. It was a long time to look hack on the election of 181 E), and he eoidd only see the Hon. .1. A. Hamm in the House to-day among the mem hers who came m a! that time. He had hoped to have stood again for Parliament, hut he had been, iu the language of the racing couru. “ vetted and turned out to grass ’’; ard ho hoped that, like the animals le inferred to. he would recover his health and he able to use it. in some other walk of life than in Parliament. He would regret leaving the House, tut he would carry away with him enduring memories of Irieudbliixt.