WORK OF PARLIAMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25660, 7 October 1944, Page 8

WORK OF PARLIAMENT

WHOLE DAY ON ESTIMATES SEVERAL LIVELY INCIDENTS (F.0.P.R.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 6. Further progress with the departmental estimates was made in the House of Representatives to-day, when the whole sitting was devoted to that business. There were a few lively incidents in the morning, culminating in the Speaker being recalled to interpret the Standing Orders in the light of remarks made by an Opposition member, Mr T. L. Macdonald (Mataura), who declined to withdraw a statement.

The sensitive mood of the House continued to -the luncheon adjournment, and at one stage the Chairman of Committees, Mr R. McKeen, threatened to name members if they persisted in disobeying the chair. The House resumed in quieter mood in the afternoon, and this prevailed until the ' adjournment for the weekend was taken at 5.30.

The votes approved to-day totalled £8,104,945, the items being as follows: Department. of Health, £2,005,357; Mental Hospitals Department, £505,000; National Provident and Friendly Societies Department, £111,834; Government Insurance Account £156,775; State Fire Insurance Account, £60,205; Government Accident Insurance Account, £52,920; Post Office Account, £4,912,854; Post Office, Account, telegraph extension, £300,000. The items approved since consideration of the Estimates began on September 8 total £33,283,986. The House is to continue consideration of the remaining votes on Tuesday.