SLACK PROCEDURE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue 13905, 5 November 1919, Page 2

SLACK PROCEDURE.

Sharp lesson to parliament By Telegraph. (Special to tie Oamaru Mail.) ' WELLINGTON. November J. Many firings which tire slipshod pass muster during the end of the session rush. but. the Leader of the Opposition, during the early hours to-day, when in committee on the Finance Bill, considered the limit had been reached and made a spirited protest. He had asked the meaning of Clause Hi, the Minister of Finance inform ins him that it enabled sessional bonuses. paid to Ministers' (secretaries 'to count in computing . their superannuation allowance. Sir Joseph Ward suggested, that it would create a precedent because the Government, by reason of its consideration for secretaries, would have no chance of withstanding the demand from the whole of the Public Service to include two millions of bonus-"' es in the amount to be calculated for superannuation. Sir Joseph Ward's protest fell on indifferent ears, the clause passing on the voices. The next clause sought to authorise local bodies to erect war memorials. Mr Wright suggested inserting a provision, for a poll of ratepayers to authorise any loan for the purpose. Sir James Alien, who was in charge of the Bill was doubtful whether it did not already provide for this. Mr Malcolm, Chairman of Committees, anxious to see business progress, at I.'SO a.m. put the amendment declaring "The noes have it,'' thouch this was doubtful. When Mr Wright suggested that the decision might be wrong, Mr Malcolm remarked : My advice to the Honorable member is to see the Minister privately and tell him what he desires. The Leader of the Opposition immediately protested against such a. proceeding: fi l would not be dictated to by the Chairman of Committee and told to see a Minister," he declared. ''This is a matter before Parliament and the Chairman is here to give rulings, not to tell members what to do. I don'l know where we are. We had something voted on. but no statement whether we negatived it. or not : we have passed a.'bonus business which is the most iniquitous thing ever clone in this countrv. It means that in connection with the two millions in paid during the last two years somebody next session will be asked to put them on the superannuation fund, and the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance sits here and allows it to be done." The Chairman of reminded the speaker that Clause 15 had been carried. Mr Ell : We can recommitt it. Sir Joseph Ward: And .strike it out. Ft is outrageous that the Bill vassed committee. Then Sir Joseph Ward moved to recommit. Clause IS, pointing out that it was providing something for a section of the Public Service which would lead to a larger demand. He would prefer to give secretaries a permanent, increase in sal.irv. Mr Massey : So Tar as T am concerned I am prepared to have it struck out. Government members consequently made no objection to the recommital of the clause, which was deleted on Sir Joseph Ward's motion. The Minister of Finance mentioned that the Superannuation Board had not objected to the clause.