Members’ Questions

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 67, 16 October 1930, Page 5

Members’ Questions

REPLIES BY MINISTER OH MANY POINTS.

SUPERANNUATION PROPOSALS. Press Association —Copyright. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Ministerial replies to questions were circulated in the House of Representatives to-day. The Hon. E. A. Ransom, replying to Mr D. McDougall, said that since the performance in full of the Union Steam Ship Company’s contract in connection with the MelbourerSouth Island shipping service had been interrupted hy the wreck of the Manuka every effort had been made by the company to obtain a suitable vessel to replace her. The Government was anxious that a full service by two vessels should be resumed as soon as posihle, and the company had asured him that it would continue its efforts to procure another vessel.

Mr W. E. Barnard asked whether during the recess inquiries would be made into the question of a universal superannuation scheme. Mr Ransom replied that considerable inquiry had been made into the compulsory contributory pension, scheme which, on account of the costs an’d other matters involved, had not at present reached the stage when practical measures could be taken. The proposal to submit a special report on the question to Parliament next session would receive careful consideration. SATURDAY HALF-HOLIDAY.

The Hon. S. G. Smith informed Mr Barnard that it was not intended this session’ to bring down a Bill which, inter alia, would.'’provide the House with an opportunity of discussing the question of a universal Saturday half-holiday. Mr D. Jones asked whether it was intended to introduce legislation this

session giving effect to the recommendation of the Railway Commission to appoint a board of direc-

tors for the management of the railways. Mr Ransom said it was not proposed to deal piecemeal with the recommendations. Other aspects of the railway problem were under investigation ty the select committee which had not reported to the House. The drift in railway fin’ance apparent when the Government assumed office had been largely arrested.

Replying to Mr C. H. Chapman, Mr Ransom said n'o expression had been made of the intention to give effect to “wholesale dismissals from the public service shortly after Parliament adjourns.” EOll IULVi'. an - i'. i>vaser asked me -a mister Ui. u UOuCC \v uclUcjl i-Mj NvOuiU me necessary steps m the interests ol justice Una. to uotliy lue puouc luac in. ail cases oj. uisd’ess tor rent uu ainount nut exceeding iuu ot personal ana tauuly clothing, ueu ciotues, oeuuiixg, mrniture and tuois or trade were ausoluteiy exempted from being sold or disposed ot uruer any distress tor rent, and mat persons wnose goods had been iliegany seized and sold could take legal proceedings in recover them, lugeuier witu costs lor injury received, The Hon. J. G. Cobbe, in reply, said Hie law wag clearly stated by Mr Fraser and the publicity btveu to the matter would, doubtless achieve the object desired. Replying to Mr W. Nash, Mr Ransom said a committee of five members consisting of the Public Service Commissioner (chairman), the financial adviser to the Government,

and a representative from each, of the three Government superannuation funds had been set up to consider the position of these funds. A considerable amount of investigation was required and it was not expected the inquiries could be competed and the report available before next session. The Hon. W. A. Veitch in answer to a question submitted by Mr T. D. Burnett, said, that in view of the present financial position of the Railway Department he regretted he could not hold out any hope of a reduction in freight on wool.