HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11931, 30 October 1919, Page 5

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

GRATUITY QUESTION. Replying to the Hon. Buddo, Sir Jas. Alien said he thought it unwise to increase the gratuity to Main Body men until it was seen how the Act was working out. He deprecated the clamour for large gratuities as it? was calculated to undermine the self reliance of the men themselves, who would he disinclined to do anything for themselves if too large sums were given them.

Replying to Mr Luke, Mr Massey said it was not possible to revise the Customs tariff this session. He understood Mr "Luke referred to dumping which he had been informed was going on. He asked Mr Luke to consult him privately on the matter.

Replying to Mr Talbot and Mr Witty, who asked questions regarding "housing, Mr Massey said the Labour Department has fet contracts for about fifty concrete houses in Wellington and ten in Masterton to assist house buidling. The Government had closed down work on some public buildings in order to free labour for building houses. Replying to Mr Wilford, the Hon. Herries said that no further questions regarding pensions would be dealt with this session. There would be a consolidating measure next year when all outstanding questions would be dealt with. MAORIS AND THE WAK, Sir Jas. Allen laid on the table a paper showng the deaths, casualties and honours in the Maori reinforcements, and he thoughtr every pakeha would agree it showed a record of which the Dominion had everj 7 reason to be proud. He proposed to have the paper translated into the Maori language and printed. Sir Joseph Ward paid a tribute to the native race. He said they established a record for courage and behaviour of such a high order that 1 they won golden opinions wherever they went. They were the only native race who had never been conquered, and wherever the Premier and himself had gone in France they heard with uride and pleasure most flattering'accounts of them while'on active service. BOAR D OF TRADE BILL. " Mr Massey said he desired to ask the House to agree to another conference with the Legislative Council on the amendments made by that body in the Board of Trade Bill. He nominated Messrs Witty, Smi th (Pahiatua), and the mover as managers,—agreed to.