THE DAY IH PARLIAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16846, 23 September 1922, Page 8

THE DAY IH PARLIAMENT.

MEAT CONTROL BOARD, (Special to the “ Star.”) ARE MEMBERS PAID? WELLINGTON, September 22. Curiosity as to whether members of the Meat Control Board receive payment for their services, and if so where the money comes from was expressed by Dr Thacker (Christchurch East) in the House this afternoon. He wished particularly to know whether the Government paid them or whether the money came from the levy on producers. It would appear that the point had been giving the member for Christchurch East concern for some time, for when the Prime Minister suggested that really what the member should ask for was a return, Dr Thacker said that he had asked for a return two months ago but it had lapsed. Mr Massey said that he understood that a small salary was provided for the chairman, the amount being paid by the producers and not by the Government. Other members, of the board in New Zealand received out of pocket expenses and travelling allowances. RAILWAY REFRESHMENT. “ Why does the Railway Department insist upon making exorbitant charge for the “ only amusement ” enjoyed by train passengers —a sandwich and a cup of tea hastily consumed at refreshment rooms? ” Such a question was put in the House to-night by Mr G. Mitchell, who asserted that the present charge of 8d was ridiculously high. The Minister replied that there had been no reduction in the price of bread and butter and meat. “ Well,” continued Mr Mitchell, 11 if there has been no reduction in those things it could not be fairly said that there has been a reduction in the cost of living, yet the wages of the Railway Servants have been decreased because of the reduction in the cost of living. The whole thing is inconsistent. “ EARLY CLOSING ASSOCIATION.” The session to date has been remarkable for the earliness of the hours kept. The secret of the matter was disclosed to-night, when the Prime Minister, in claiming that he had let members off lightly, said, “ As a matter of fact, I am president of the Early Closing Association and I’ve got to live up to the position.” If this session is like all the other sessions, Mr Massey will be expelled from the Early Closing Association before the end of the present Parliament.