FROM THE GALLERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16585, 18 November 1921, Page 6

FROM THE GALLERY.

(Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON. November 17. CONCERNING A MAP. What Mr Holland (Buller) referred to as an excellent map issued by the Nelson Chamber of Commerce was mentioned in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr Holland said the map showed tlie South Island main trunk railway line and the only gap in that line. Would the Minister of Public I Works* asked Mr Holland, make provision in the Estimates of this year or next year for the completion of that line? The Hon J. G. Coates said that a copy of this excellent map had just been put into his hands. It did not 6how the Blenheim-Ohristchurch line, of which much had been said, the Inangahua Junction-Westport line, the line south of Hokitika, nor some others. He would be pleased to study tlie map, but ho did not wish to disclose the Public Works Estimates. Mr Holland : Seo if you can make both ends meet. Mr Coates added that he might be able to give some information when the Dublic Works Statement came down. MR LYSNAR’S ADDRESS. When speaking on the Budget debate Mr Mitchell (Wellington South) referred to a strong advocate of reduc- ! tion in public service salaries who stayed at the Midland Hotel. He mentioned no names. To-day Mr Lysnar (Gisborne) referred to the statement and claimed that he had been misrepresented. He was the only man who had referred to thi3 subject, so that reference must have been to him. He did nor advocate a reduction by 10 per cent, but thought that there should be a reduction proportionate to the reduction in the cost of living. 3 Air E. J. Howard: You mean the cost of living at the hotel. Mr Lysnar said he wcfald also like to know why the Midland was not a desirable place for a member to stop at. WHAT ABOUT CHRISTMAS DAY? Christmas Day come 9 but once a year, so when it falls on Sunday folk are very apt to fear that they may lose a holiday. Christmas Day this year does fall on a Sunday, so Mr Burnett (Temuka) asked tho Prime Minister \o-day what were the Government's intentions. The Prime Minister replied that a Bill would be introduced. Christmas would be observed on Sunday and Boxing Day on Monday but so that the usual holidays would not be lost Tuesday. December 27, would be declared a public holiday. KEROSENE DUTY OPPOSED. The member for Dunedin North (Mr Kellett) twitted members to-night with very often knowing nothing of the letters w'hich went out over their signatures. “ How long,’ he asked, “ are we going to stand these departmental replies?” The Minister of Public Works: You won’t have to stand it long. A member: Only twelve months. When Mr Masters was saying that he could not understand the reason for imposing a duty on kerosene the Minister of Customs (Hon W. Downie Stewart) interjected: “You wanted good ro;ids a little while ago.” Mr Masters: I thought we were going to get those through the Motor Y'ehicles Act. The Minister: We may nse the kerosene duty for that