POLITICAL JOTTINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1931, Page 2

POLITICAL JOTTINGS

“KOOKABURRA” MEMBER. A tilt at Mr W. J. Poison (Jnd., Stratford) was 'taken by Mr R. Semple (Lab., Wellington East), last Thursday. Ho said a great deal had been expected of the member for Stratford when he entered the House. He came with a well known name, and everyone had waited with bated breath, for it was believed lie would shake the very foundations of the Government and lead the Hous e in the narrow path of political righteousness. Ais time, went on the member for Stratford faded away, be contributed nothing, and now lie was regarded by those who knew him best as the greatest political kookaburra that eve r entered the chamber. Mr Speaker: I think the lion, member should withdraw that word. Mr Semple; Very well, sir, I will; but 1 was going to liken him to an Australian bird that laughs, and laughs and Mr Speaker: Order. Mr Semple: Yes, sir I withdraw the word (Laughter). RAILWAY RENTS. Reference to the question of railway workers’s house rents raised by the Leader of the Opposition on Wednesday was made by the Minister, of Railways, Hon. W. A. Ye itch, who said it had been estimated that the loss on railway houses for this financial year would be £78,(H0. The Railway Commission roeoinmoml}d that certain additions he made to ['lie rents so as to reduce the loss to £40,000. As a result of a new system )f rent charging, however, the e.stinatod loss would be reduced to £43.)00. The new basis of fixing the rents amo into operation on February 1, nit it became immediately obvious bat the increase was more than a. air That was admitted, and ' lie Minister said lie liad appointed tho ssistant general manager of railways ■