SECOND EDITION.

Mataura Ensign, 27 September 1913, Page 5

SECOND EDITION.

POLITICAL NOTES. * THE BATTLE OF THE ESTIMATES. AN ALL-NIGHT SITTING. BY TiaiJGKAl'jr. FROM OUB SI'KCIAI, COltliKSfllXl-iIiNT. _ WELLINGTON. Sept. 27. _ The Estiniiites wvre completed tlii> morning, the House adjourning shortly before s.x o'clock. The Estimates have had a particularly rough passage, through committee this session-. The Opposition, being numerically very strong, used its force to block and criticise every item which" appealed to members of that body as- requiring explanation.

The educational classes are usually passed without trouble, but Air Wilford (Hutt), who had been primed with information from outside, attacked the appointment of Air Brown as Director of Technical Education. Several of the speakers, including Mr Sidoy (l)uucdin South), stated that they did not know Mr Brown or his capabilities, but they wore prepared to criticise his appointment. Hon. J. Allen (Minister for Education) in replying made it clear that Air Brown had been in the service of the Department for 12 years and had •been Chief Inspector until the Public Service Commissioners altered the name of his office to director and increased his salary- The Minister had nothing to do with Mr Brown's appointment. Air Hanan (Invercargill) bore testimony to Mr Brown's capabilities a s an officer. After much discussion of a more or less fatuous character Mr Wilford's motion to reduce the item, Mr ttoyd Garlick's salary, was lost and business was proceeded with. Air Wilford contributed nothing fresh in condemnation of Mr Garlick and utterly failed to establish his statement that Air Brown's appointment was also bad.

LOCAL BODIES' LOANS. On the advances to settlors' class being reached a good deal of discussion took place, but the class was not blocked. Arguments were adduced in favor of forward lending, but local bodies, it was stated by the. Minister, could not expect the Department to hold money at call for them as money under those conditions was not earning ink-rest.