NOTES FROM THE GALLERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20043, 4 September 1920, Page 8

NOTES FROM THE GALLERY.

PARLIAMENT DAY BY DAY. DOINGS IN THE HOUSE. (Special to the “ Star.'') WELLINGTON, September 3. THE BROKEN HILL STRIKE. The record strike at Broken Hill was referred to in the House to-day, when the Prime Minister was asked by Mr R. W. Smith (Waimarino) if he would take steps to inform tho public of New Zealand, who wore being asked to contribute to the relief of the strikers, of tho facts of the position. ‘‘ As the result of a plausible tale told by collectors,” said Mr Smith, “many unsuspecting and generous people have been induced to part with money they could ill afford to give. The collectors were making great use of a statement by a doctor as to the lack of proper nourishment for the mothers of Broken Hill, which was affecting babies and young children. Those asked to subscribe wore not told that the strike had been going on for the last sixteen months, and all this time brothers and fathers and mothers had been content to do no work, and to live on the money begged for them. Was it fair to allow* hard working and unsuspecting people of New Zealand to be preyed upon by the people of another country who. on their own accord, have lived in idleness all these months? The Prime Minister said that he did not possess sufficient information to express an opinion on all tho points raised, but personally he knew of no reason why the men should not obtain employment in other directions. Personally, if the men could obtain work, ho thought it would bo a more selfrespecting course to follow. The bon member’s question would probably have the effect of informing some people of tho position. Mr Holland: “We arc informing I hem all the time.” Mr Parry: “ Ho’ll hear all about it when ho gets up in the King Country.” NURSES’ HARDSHIPS AND PAY. Up to the supper adjournment tonight, members of the House rose like a hungry trout at a fly to discuss the Health Estimates, sometimes three at a time. The hardships and tho underpay of nurses proved a prolific and popular topic of complaint. Every member, almost, knew them off by heart. Mr M’Callum intervened at one awkward period, with a tirade against tho previous Minister of Health, for some omission in regard to the account of a doctor in connection with the recent epidemic. As a special mark of indignation be moved to reduce one item by £l. This, however, had a very unwelcome effect, as it meant confinement of the debate to that particular matter, and precluded further discussion on the nurse problem, which was, dependent on an item further back on tho list. For a while unsophisticated members endeavoured to circumvent the chairman, but gave it up one by one. Sir M’Callura. meanwhile, had left the Chamber. Air Massey suggested that a way out pf tho difficulty would bo for Mr M’Cnlium to withdraw his amendment. A few minutes afterwards, when the member for Wairau returned, the suggestion was nut to him, and he readily agreed. The debate then went on anil on. MONDAY SITTINGS. Monday sittings of Parliament are to commence on Monday week. This fact was announced by th& Prime Ministor. Six classes of Estimates hgd been prepared to bo put through, bu,t after 11 p.rn. only the- first two votes had been passed. The Prime Minister said he bad no desire to sit up all night, and ho would suggest that members might consider coming back on Mondav nights. Mr Holland: Don’t start until Mondav week.” Mr Massey: “That Is what I intended to do.” Mr Sidey: “It is too earlv in the session to start that It’s not usually done until the Inst five weeks ” Mr Masseys “Well. I don’t think we will be away from here before November 30. I want to finish early in November, and wo can’t do it if there is going to be serious delav.” Air Holland : “ You Wed a lot of time in the Financial Debate.” Air Massey: “I don’t know that we saved very much. We are getting it all now., I recognised quite half a dozen speeches to-night.'as those which it was intended to give before.”