HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9172, 12 October 1915, Page 7

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The Speaker took the. chair at 2.30 pjn. MINISTERS QUESTIONED WORKERS’ DWELLINGS. Mr A, H. Hindmarsh {Wellington South) drew the attention of the Minister for Labour to the need for workers, dwellings in Wellington. .There was a serious: shortage,. and in ■ -many cases several, families wore living mu the same house. _ _ _ ~ ~ The Bight Hon. W. F. Massey said that from departmental reports -be had already learned that there was a greater demand for cottages in Wellington than in* any other part of the Dominion*, and the Government would endeavour to meet it. He intended to go into_ tho matter with his departmental officers to see whether more workers’ dwellings could be built. Hon. members would understand that there was not so much money available for the-purpose as there was. last year. The Government proposed to devote .£50,000 for this purpose, and he would sea that Wellington got its fair share. CAMP CONTRACTS. ’ In reply to Mi* W. H. Field (OUki) the Mr ulster for Munitions and Supplies {Hon. A. M. Myers) said that the names of successful tenderers for camp supplies, and the amount, was forwarded to. oil unsuccessful tenderers. As these were really tha only people interested he did not consider it necessary to publish the particulars. ■ CIVIL SERVICE RECRUITS.

Dr. ID, J. T. Thacker (Christchurch Boat) asked if the Government would give facilities to civil servants to enlist. HJj wan informed that many men, not only in the Defence Department, but in other departments, were being held back by their superior officer*. ■ ■ The Prime Minister said a return placed before the House in the previous week had showed that a very considerable proportion of the civil servants, of military age had enlisted already. Some branches of the public service could not spare any additional trained officers, but the (Government was doing everything possible to lot men away. , Mr T. M. Wilford (Hutt)i ‘TVhy don't you use the Women's BeeorvoP' Mr Massey i "We are using it.' Mr Wilford: “You are-using a committee that if not in tho Reserve., I know the position." Mr Massev: "Every woman in New JSoaland witldn tho nest few weeks will have an opportunity to say what she can |.o and is prepared to do for the State. SOLDIERS IN ENGLAND.

Replying to a question put by Mir G. Witty (Bicoarton) the Defence Minister explained again that New Zealand soldiers in hospital in convalescent homes in England were not given their pay, which accumulated to thdir credit. vShe nien’s needs' were provided for and it was not considered desirable that they should have much money to 1 spend. They received their pay later. Mr Witty: “Not every man." Mr Allen: "Every man except certain special coses. I need not; name them. The matter is under consideration with ivgard to these oases." The Minister added that ho would advise parents to bo cautious about sending money to their boys. ‘ The soldiers, really did not need much money and could only spend it on gifts or luxuries.