POLITICAL NEWS

Gisborne Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9575, 28 July 1923, Page 5

POLITICAL NEWS

PRIVATE SECRETARY WANTED. FOR LEADER OF LABOR PARTY. WELLINGTON, July 27. The question oh supplying a private secretary to Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labor Party, at the expense of the country, was mentioned in the House yesterday by Mr D. G. Sullivan (Avon), who said that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Wilford, was provided with a secretary, and lie thought the same concession should bo made to Mr. Holland. “I see the Prime Minister smiling,” added Mr. Sullivan. Mr Massey: ‘T am smiling in approval.” (Laughter, and Labor •‘Hear, Hears.”)

Mr Sullivan said it was evident that the group system was going to prevail here, and Mr Holland was tho leader of a Party of 17, and at the next election he would double its numbers. At present Mr Holland received from 125 to 150 letters a week, and he should have a secretary. Mr Wilford: '‘During the session. I only get a secretary for the session.” Mr Sullivan: “Yes, during the session only.” Air Massey said he was reminded of his own experience when for nine years lie was Leader of the Opposition. The Government then was not a particularly generous Government insofar as he was concerned, and it had never found a secretary or even a messenger for him. He had to do all the wort: himself or pay for it; however, the application now made* was for Cabinet and ho would ask Cabinet to consider it.—Special.

‘‘HOT-HOUSE” PLANTS. Air P. Fraser (Wellington Central) stated in the House that according to tho report of the Influenza Epi-demic-Commission the housing conditions were largely responsible for tlu> spread of the epidemic in Wellington. Air R. A. Wright (Wellington Suburbs) pointed out as an extraordinary fact that the epidemic raged worst in Wellington in those districts in which- there was an absence of squalor. Mr F. Langston (Waimarino): Less hot-housc plants.”