THOSE TRAVELLING EXPENSES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8528, 5 September 1907, Page 5

THOSE TRAVELLING EXPENSES.

(By Telegraph—ParliamentaryCorrespondent.)

WELLINGTON, September 4

In the House of Representatives, this afternoon, Mr Gray asked the Minister of Justice " Whether it is true that a district judge, who is in receipt of a salary of £7of> a year, also draws £1 lis 6d a day travelling 1 allowance whether he is travelling or not, and also holds a free railway'pass for himself and wife?" The Hon. Mr McGowan replied as follows:—"It is the case that Mr District Judge Haselden, whose salary is £750 a year, receives travelling allowance at the rate of £1 lis Cd a day. Owing to the extent of the district in which Courts are held, extending from New Plymouth to Invei'cargill, and including Nelson and Westland, Mr Haselden is almost constantly travelling, and is therefore unable to establish a permanent home in any one place. Ljke all other District Judges and Stipendiary Magistrates who are required to travel on public service, Mr Hasslden is furnished with an official railway ticket. lam not aware whether his wife has a free pass." Considerable discussion ensued on the Minister's reply. " Mr W. F. Massey, Leader of the Opposition, directed attention to the payment of over £ll per week to Judge Haselden for travelling expenses, and urged the setting up of a special committee to enquire into the whole question of allowances, as the public had a right to know. Mr T. Mackenzie (Waikouaiti) said that, some officials travelled about with a retinue like ambassadors. The Premier said the attitude of members regarding the travelling allowances of the Customs expert fyicf set up a feeling of unrest in thecolony. He promised members that they would be fully informed of all travelling allowances paid to officers.