PARLIAMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 October 1930, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATIONS

[special to “stab.”]

WELLINGTON. October 1.

The Acting Prime Minister, was asked by Mr Barnard, in the House to-day, whether he is aware that according to the Postmaster-General regulations forbid public servants from accepting such outside employment as paid positions at theatres, and at football matches, and that according to the Minister of Railways, who was approached on the same matter, it’ is not the policy of the Department to interfere with the private affairs of its employees, provided that such affairs do not militate against the satisfactory performance of their ordinary duties.” Mr Barnard asked whether an early statement would be made with view to clearing up the present confusion and defining the position of various classes of public servants in relation to employment outside their regular duties.

1 Mr Ransom replied the policy of 1 the Government is that public ser- [■ vants are forbidden to accept any out- ; side employment, except in most un- ! usual circumstances, and in these j cases, prior approval must be obtain--1 ed. Appropriate action is being taken to ensure that uniform practice in this respect is being followed in all Departments. SAVINGS BANK INTEREST. Mr Barnard asked the minister of Finance whether in view of the growing increase in excess of withdrawals over deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank, and the comparatively attractive rates of interest offered by 1 private banks, and other finance com- : panics, the Government will favour- - ably consider the raising of rates of • interest now allowed on deposits in • the Post Office Savings Bank. “Whilst it is not proposed to alter the interest rates on deposits in the Post Office Savings bank at present,” Mr Ransom replied, the Government is fully seized of the importance of ' the question raised. It is to be point--1 ed out, however, that post office sav--1 ings bank deposits are at call, and that from the point of view of security, these deposits are in a different '■ category to deposits lodged with finance companies etc. Further, there is no relation between interest on deposits at call and interest on Government securities, which mature seven years hence. SILVER COINAGE. In view of the proposed curtailment of circulation of 10/- bank notes, and consequent increased circulation of silver coinage in lieu thereof, Mr Wilkinson asked whether the Government will consider arranging with the imperial mint authorities for special issue of silver coin suitable for the Dominion’s requirements. Mr Ransom replied that the Government does not propose to take any line of action that will have the effect of defeating its own taxation measures. However, the point raised by the Member in so far as profits on silver coinage were concerned would be looked into in connection with the general review of banking and currency position at present being made. PRICE OF PETROL. Drawing attention to the statement that the price of petrol is to be increased by a penny per gallon, Mr Broadfoot asked the Acting Prime Minister, if he would make inquiry into the difference between the prices at which petrol is retailed in New Zealand, and in America. If it was found to be excessive in New Zealand, he asked if the Government would take suitable action. Mr Ransom replied that the Government had no information regarding the reported increase, but it would give consideration to the suggestion. BILLS PASSED. The local Elections and Police Amendment Bill introduced in the House by Mr Mason with the object of making optional, alternative systems of voting at local body elections, by striking out names or marking the names with a cross, was passed this evening practically without debate. The Rating Amendment Bill, sponsored by the same private member was also passed, the main purpose of the measure is to repeal the provision which makes it necessary for a local body, after a rating poll being carried, to furnish a complete valuation roll to the Valuer General. A further clause asking for the deletion of the section in the Act. which provides that half rates be chargeable for buildings occupied for six months, was defeated.