POLIITCAL NOTES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 8 November 1927, Page 5

POLIITCAL NOTES

ITEMS FROM THE HOUSE

TAX ON PETROL. FARM TRACTORS EXEMPT. i ~ (BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL TO “THE STAR.”) WELLINGTON, Nov. 7. In- order to allay what he explained was a considerable amount of uneasiness among owners of farm tractors, Mr. T. D. Burnett (Temuka) asked the Minister of Public Works in the House to-night whether it was proposed to exempt farm tractors from the petrol tax, and, if so, in what way would the exemption lie obtained. The Hon. Iv. S. Williams, Minister of Public Works, replied that it was intended to exempt petrol used solely for agricultural tractors, and particulars of the method would be found in the Bill shortly to be introduced. MEMBERS’ PAY., Members had become aware of the Government’s decision not to increase their honorarium this session, but they awaited the statement from the Prime Minister, which the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates made to-night. This matter, he -said, had been discussed on the floor of the House, and had been brought before the notice of the Government by members belonging to all parties, and he desired to sav that while the Government le-cognised- the heavy nature of the demands- made on members’ resources in „ the discharge of their Parliamentary duties, it was not prepared to submit proposals in this connection to Parliament this session.

A request had also been made that there should be an increase in the number of steamer tickets to members using the inter-island ferry steamers in the course of their duties, and the Government was prepared to do this and to make an announcement- when the details were finalised. THE CLOSURE.

As a long debate on an amendment was imminent, members of the House of Representatives saw special -significa’nce in the question which Mr; T. W. Rhodes (Thames) put to the Prime Minister to-night. He wished the Government to set up a committee to revise the standing orders of Parliament during the recess, especially, he added, _ with a. view to curtailing the discussion in certain directions- in order to ensure a more expeditious despatch of business. The Prime Minister replied that the subject was under the consideration of Cabinet, and lie would be glad to make a statement later as to the Government’s intentions-.