M.P.'s PRIVILEGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1920, Page 4

M.P.'s PRIVILEGES.

WAS TOO MUCH SATDt K (By Wire.—Parliamentary Reporter.) . Wellington, Last Night. Some disinclination on the part of members to discuss their privileges in public was observable when telegrams were mentioned is the House of Representatives to-day. Mr. L. M. Isitt (Christchureb North) raised the question by - asking the Post-master-General why members who were charged 8d for 36 words by the telegraph office had to pay 9d for a second 36 words in the same telegramSeveral members indicated by interjection their disapproval of the-^uestion. The Postmaster-General (Mr. Coatee) asked if the honorable member wanted the rate increased. "I hardly think it fair that members' telegrams should have missed tho general increase," said Mr. Coates. "I shall he pleased to consider this if members desire me to do so." No member rose to support *n increase. Later in the afternoon, Mr. J. g. Wekson (Parnell) complained that while members could send 36 words for Bd, persons to whom they sent reply paid telegrnms were allowed only words. He suggested that the person receiving the reply paid telegram should be allowed thirty-sis words. Cries of f'No," "Leave it atone,* 1 «nd "Not worth discussing," came from several parts of the House, and the Speaker called loudly for order, A The Postmaster-General, after w«itt&|M| a few momenta for a hewing, that he would look into the question. 1H