PARLIAMENT WOMAN M.P.’s MOVE TO AID OLDAGE BENEFICIARIES

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 October 1948, Page 3

PARLIAMENT WOMAN M.P.’s MOVE TO AID OLDAGE BENEFICIARIES

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 8. An amendment to reduce the vote by £1 as an indication to the Government that, in view of the increased cost of living, and the need for increased production, the recipients of old age pensions should be allowed to earn a greater amount than £52 yearly without their pension being affected, was moved by Mrs G. H. Ross (Opposition, Hamilton) in the House of Representatives this afternoon when the Social Security votes were being discussed. A division was called for by the Opposition, but the procedure, after the doors were locked and the bells rung, was waived and the amendment was rejected on the voices. Mr C. M. Bowden (Opposition, Karori), discussing art unions, said only 24- per cent, of the amount collected was disbursed in prize money, but the expenses of running art unions came to more than the amount paid out to the prize /vinners.

Mr Bo.wden urged that the sooner the complete programme for the Royal tour was announced the better , for members of Parliament, at any rate, some of whom had already received numerous requests from constituents for a seat in the House for the opening of Parliament by. the King. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr W. E. Parry, said that he would announce the programme as soon as possible. The vote was passed.