THE ESTIMATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12399, 12 October 1903, Page 5

THE ESTIMATES.

[bt telegraph.—pbess association.]

Wellington-, Saturday, The consideration of the Estimates was continued in the House of Representatives during the early hours of Saturday morning. : At the vote for Government accident insurance account Mr,. Herries moved a reduction of J6l, as an expression of dissatisfaction with the rates <;harged by this Department. It seemed, Ins said, that there was a compact in existence between the Government Department and the other accident companies, and the good effect of the Government having entered into the accident insurance business was destroyed. Instead of the Department boing a benefit it was actually becoming a, burden to the people. Mr. Kirkbride expressed dissatisfaction that there had been ho disposition on the part of the Government Department to fix rates lower than those charged by the joint stock companies. Mr, Seddon said there was no profit in the present rates, and if the Government. Department was out of the way the rates would be higher. Mr. Massey retorted that if there was no profit in the existing rates there must be something seriously wrong. The rates levied were a heavy tax on the industries of the colony, and "it was the duty of the Government to reduce them.

Mr. Witty said there was a good deal of dissatisfaction in the South at the increased rates. . ...... . After some further discussion Mr. Hemes' motion was lost by 29 to 11, and the total vote passed unalteßid. The vote for Government Advances to Settlers Office passed unaltered. This finished the Consolidated Estimates.