POLITICAL NOTES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 23 August 1924, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

UPSIDE DOWN. • PARLIAMENTARY METHODS. (By Telegraph.—Special to Star.) ' mu WELLINGTON, Aug. 22. The Leader of the Opposition, when the Inland Revenue Department's estimates were being considered by the House to-day, wished to indicate that m the opinion of Parliament; the head ot the hand and Income Tax Department should receive an iimrease in his salary, which at present i s £llßs. His only course was to move for a £1 reduction, which lie did with an explanation ol tlie obstacles imposed bv the standing orders. He praised'the'work of tins officer, whose capability was ueJL known, and he pointed to the importance of his work in relation taxation adjustments. . Mr Forbes, who supported, remarked that it was a rather left-handed way at doing tilings, hut this was the method, and no doubt- the Government the* £1 U,t ,t - I ' ight . if Mt ' C1:ilk e lost The Hon. AA'. Nos worthy, who temporarily represented the Finance Minister, agreed with the leader of the Opposition that Mr Churke earned his money and honestly deserved an increase. He would look into it. Mr Wilford’s retort was that he was too. old a bird to be caught with a Ministerial promise to look into it. He would secure a division , when no doubt tlie Minister would vote as lie had spoken. Mr Nos worthy: 1 shall vote against it. that’s not the way to do it.' (Laughter). Eventually the division bells brought the Premier into the House, and Mr AA ilford allowed the matter to go on the voices. He proimpt*.Y explained that he had not taken a. division because the Premier had assured him that he would accept the amendment. Mr Massey corroborated this, stating that Mr Clarke occupied a highly responsible position, and' vvas one of the lew officers undoubtedly entitled to an increase of salary. ANGRY AAORDS. Mr Massey became very angry because of interjections from Mr Smith while he was discussing the achievements of the State Advances Department. Mr Smith’s first shot was. inaudible in the press gallery, but was picked up by Mr Massey, who immediately took up the challenge, and declared that Mr Smith was doing all he could to discredit the State Advances Department, which had authorised 10,000 applications and had made advances to 8000. Mr Smith: AA’ho is getting the money ? Mr Massey (hotly) ; The people who are disputing it. Mr Wilford: Do not get angry. Mr Massey: It is no wonder one gets angry when such statements are made across tlie floor of the House, if they are not contradicted they get into print, and arc believed. Mr Wilford : Yon can contradict a statement without getting angry. Mr Massey: 1 am the best judge ofmv own actions. POWER BOARD TRADING A COMPLAINT. Iho Electrical ’traders’ Association of New Zealand lias sent a long protest to tin* Minister for Public Works against electric power bodies unfairly competing against their business. They quote the case of the Southland Power Board, which instructed its canvassers that consumers who are being financed by Die Board must lake certain lines of electric ranges and motors stocked bv the: Board, which buhls the solo agency for the district. The Minister has replied that he is not clear the Government comes into the matter, but. he is interested in seeing that electric power consumption is developed, and that the local bodies spend their money to -the best advantage for the purpose for which it is borrowed. There should he trading accounts subject to investigation by the Auditor-General.