DISCUSSION ON ESTIMATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14223, 20 November 1909, Page 8

DISCUSSION ON ESTIMATES.

GOVERNMENT AS TRADERS.

A CLOSE DIVISION.

MARGIN OF FOUR VOTES.

'BY TELEGE.VTH.— SPECIAL COBRESrOSDENT.]

. Weixixgtox, Friday. The House, after disposing of formal business and, the reports of committees this afternoon,'went into Committee of Supply to begin the discussion on the Estimate*. On the first item" of the Estimates, members are permitted to discuss any subject, on which they may wish to express their views, and this privilege was fully availed of on this occasion. The first subject debated was that of the Crown Suits Act, special reference being made to the action of the Government in taking advantage of the Act in regard to the State Coal Mines Department. The point that was specially emphasised by these who supported Mr. Masscy's amendment on the subject was that when the Government took up commercial enterprises they should place themselves in the same position as private individuals with whom they were competing. The Government were evidently unprepared for the amendment, and a number of their supporters were absent. Defeat was avoided only by four votes. Another division took place in regard to the matter of Supreme Court judges receiving extra emoluments for special work, such as that on Royal Commissions. Mr. Fisher moved an amendment on this point, and lost it by 30 votes to 23. Mr. Baume voted against the Government on each division. Several other matters were also brought forward and ventilated by the Opposition.