HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 223, 20 September 1907, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. THE CUSTOMS EXPERT,

Mr LAURENSON asked the Minister for Customs a question without notice, as to whether it was a fact that the Customs expert had the right to recommend when fines should be inflicted, and whether the same officer received a portion of the fines so inflicted? Mr Laurenson said that he had been informed that this was so from a reliable source. He further asked the Minister if he had taken any steps to terminate the Customs expert's agreement?

The Hon. Mr MILLAR stated that the information was incorrect, as fines were imposed by the secretary, and the Customs expert received no portion of the fines; but under his original agreement he was entitled to receive a portion of the fines recovered in a court of law, but he had not drawn any money from this source for some years. The total amount the expert had received from this source was £232 during a term of 20 years. He (Mr Millar) had given notice to terminate the expert's agreement on the 30th June next.

TRAVELLING ALLOWANCES

Mr MASSEY asked the Prime Minister when he proposed to go into an inquiry in the matter of travelling allowances.

The PRIME MINISTER stated that he proposed to refer the case of the Customs expert to the Commerce Committee next week.

Mr MASSEY said that he understood that the whole matter of travelling allowances was to be inquired into, and not only the Customs expert.

The PRIME MINISTER said that the general question of travelling allowances was a matter for the Execu r tive, and he did not propose to refer that to the Committee.

Mr GRAY said that he understood that the whole matter of travelling allowances was to be inquired into. He had another case of an officer drawing a large travelling allowance, but did not propose to give his name until he had inquired further into the matter. He added that a feeling of unrest pre-

vailed, and reiterated the statement that he believed the Prime Minister had given an assurance to the House that the whole system of travelling allowances would be inquired into. The PRIME MINISTER stated that whatever he had said he would do he was prepared to do. METHYLATED SPIRIT BILL.

The Methylated Spirit Bill was further considered in Committee. . Clause 8, wnich gives power to the Customs officer to enter and search buildings reasonably suspected ot containing methylated: spirit which has been or is being or intended to be purified in breach of the Act, caused considerable discussion several Members urging that the Customs officer was given too much power. Mr MASSEY moved an amendment that it should be made compulsory oi the Customs officer first to obtain a search-warrant. The Hon. Mr MILLAR replied that the obtaining of a search-warrant occasioned delay, and would spoil the whole object of the Bill. The Customs officer would not be allowed to make a search except by the authority of the Collector, and the responsibility for search would thus be on the Department. Eventually Mr Massey withdrew his amendment. Mr BARCLAY moved an amendment providing that the officer making a search should be first authorised in writing by a Collector of Customs. This was agreed to on the voices. The remaining clauses were agreed to without amendment.

COAL MINES BILL

The Coal Mines Act Amendment Bill (No. 2) was further considered in Committee.

The Hon. Mr GUINNESS moved a new clause. 19 C:—Section 39 of the principal Act is hereby amended by adding thereto the following general rules: That a brattice in a working mine shall at all times be kept within 12 feet of the working face; that a coalminer's jig shall not exceed one chain in length; that the headings in a mine shall not be more than 50 yards apart, pillars between headings shall be at least 50 yards thick, and slits in the pillars shall not be more than 25 yards apart. The amendment was negatived by 40 to 17.

Progress was reported, and the House adjourned at 5.30 p.m.