MINISTERIAL TRAVELLING EXPENSES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2325, 22 September 1898, Page 26

MINISTERIAL TRAVELLING EXPENSES.

An interesting little, duel took place between Mr Hutchison and the Premier this afternoon regarding certain returns of Ministerial travelling expenses asked for by the member for Patea. During the last few weeks the expenses for 1896, 1897, and 1898 were laid on the table as separate returns at different times. When the Premier brought down the last of these returns to-day Mr Hutchison remarked that he had asked them at the beginning of the session, but that, they had been refused, and now the Premier had given the information on his own motion. Mr Seddon explained that he recognised the right of Parliament to have the returns in question, and there was no need for Mr Hutchison to ask for them. He objected to the unfair way in which returns were often asked for, as being equivalent to an attempt to force the hands of Ministers. The information was asked for in such a shape that it could not be given, or if given, would put the Government in a false position. Mr Hutchison remarked that it was strange that tho Premier should first take the middle year 1897 and then go back to 1896, and finally end up with 1898. However, the member for Patea has got the information he asked for, but he ought to take what, he has been given and be thankful.