THE ESTIMATES

Grey River Argus, 14 August 1936, Page 6

THE ESTIMATES

DEBATED BY HOUSE. WELLINGTON, August 13. The House in Committee of Supply, considered the estimates. Mr. Forbes asked the Government’s intention regarding completion of Parliament Buildings. Mr. Broadfoot asked particulars of the expenses of running the steamer Maui Pomare. Mr. Endean urged greater provision bo made for the defence of New Zea land and defence of the Empire Mr. Savage said the Maui Pomare had been a payable proposition for some years, and it was expected thia year a profit of about £6OOO would bo made. The Government had made no decision regarding Parliament Buildings, but it believed the time was not far distant when something would have to be done to provide for the convenience of members, and the carrying on of the country’s business. Regarding defence, the Government was in constant touch with the British Government. The matter had not been lost sight of, and aviation, civil and military, would be the subject of investigation in the near future. Mr. Barnard said it was commonly thought by the public that the legislative vote represented the cost of run-1 ning Parliament, and he thought on this occasion he might point out that that impression was entirely erroneous. The Legislative Department was one that was grievously exploited by more than ono other Government Department, and, perhaps, the chief exploiter was the Railways Department. There was an item of £29,500 for railway passes and concessions for members and ex-mem-bers of legislative families, relations etc. Actually if members of Parliament and wives were charged for the actual travelling they did in the course of the year, he would say the amount could bo very' nearly halved. It might bo as well in future, if the vote were a truer reflection of the cost of the Legislative Department. Mr. Savage said thaA this was a stupid old method that had been introduced by past Governments, and it wrjs just another way of living by taking in each other’s washing. The Railways Department charged the Legislative Department for the service it did not use. It was. however, an important matter from, the members’ point of view that they should not be charged for the same service they did not enjoy. Members were entitled to be treated just as fairly as other people. Mr. Hamilton asked the Government’s policy regarding the purchase of Government cars. Ho said ho had seen some Government ears that were of American make. Mr. Nash: Made in Petone, Mr. Hamilton: No. They might be

assembled in Petone, but they are still American. He added British ears could be assembled in New Zealand and Departmental officers should be content to travel in cars made in Britain. Mr. Nash, referring to the purchase of cars, said that British manufacturers were very reluctant tn come to New Zealand to assemble, their cars, ami if they would not do sot the Government must give complete preference to those companies that did come here and gave employment to New Zealanders, and used New Zealand material as far as possible. The British manufacturers were beginning to come to New Zealand to assemble cars, and all things being equal, preference would be given to British cars. , «