AN EYE ON PARLIAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12755, 26 September 1919, Page 6

AN EYE ON PARLIAMENT.

NOTES FROM THE GALLERY. PARTIES AMD POLITICS. (Special to “ Star/') WELLINGTON, September 26. THE GRATUITIES. The Minister of Defence was asked by Mr Witty (Riccarton) whether flying cadets trained at Sockbura were included in the gratuities scheme. Sir James Allen replied that so far as be could say they were covered by the provision for payment of allowances to New Zealanders who have served with Imperial naval and military forces. Under this provision, persons domiciled in New Zealand who served in the Imperial forces would receive the difference between the Imperial and New Zealand pay, allowances and gratuities, less any amounts already received under previous authorities. “ TOO MANY COLONELS.” It is apparently feared by Mr M’Galium (Waiiau) that New Zealand will have as many military titles as the southern states of America, where “colonels” are to he seen in every street corner; To-night Mr M’CaJlum gave notice to ask the Minister of Defence, if on demobilisation of military officers, be would insist that tho use of their military titles should be discontinued. PRESERVING OLD BUILDINGS. In giving an assurance last night that the old Government House at Auckland would be preserved, the Prime Minister referred to the pride with which the Christchurch people regarded the historic places in their city, and he mentioned cases of the careful preservation of buildings which had come under his notice in. Canada. “I think tho time is coming when we should take more care of our old buildings. Vvo have not many of them, because wo are too new, but- we are making history now.” Air John Payne (Grey Lynn) thought the university should have first oonsid oration. They should get rid of that ay-blown, moth-eaten superstitution of keeping up the old Government House. It was all very well for the Prime Minister to talk vandalism, but to his mmd, the Government House at Auckland was being retained only “ to pander to the comfort of uobilitv wno desired to go there and wear evening dresses at the Governor’s balls.” °