QUESTION TIME

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 2781, 28 November 1931, Page 5

QUESTION TIME

AT MR LYE’S MEETING. VARIETY OF TOPICS. When question time arrived at Mr F. Lye’s political meeting in the Town Ilall last night information was sought on several subjects. M!r E. Linstrom asked Mr Lye if there was any provision in the new Transport Bill and Motor Vehicles Regulations for the compulsory focussing of car lights, and would he see into the matter when he went down to Wellington? M'r Lye said he would he pleased to look into the matter at the frst opportunity.

In reply to a written question as to whether he would vote against a further reduction in the salaries of civil servants, especially the lower paid grade, and did he have the best interests of the civil servants at heart, Mr Lye referred at length to the stand he took and the protest he made m connection with the dismissals of six postal officials at Auckland in 1930. He had secured an appeal against what he told the Minister of his own Party straight was harsh treatment. He had fought for an inquiry all the way and had got redress for those particular civil servants. That’s my answer as to whether I have the interests of the civil servants at heart, said Mr Lye. The “cuts” had been forced by circumstances and as all other sections had taken a share it was a fair thing that the civil servants should shoulder a little of the burden. (Applause). In reply to another written question as to whether lie considered Hon. J. G. Coates was the best man to be associated with Public Works expenditure, i* view of his record, Mr Lye replied that whatever the faults of the past had been the present was a time when all who had a true regard for the welfare of the Dominion should bury the hatchet. (Applause). “We all make mistakes and it isn’t any good to dig up thd past. We all have a task to do and it is not a time for carping criticism, but to do the right tiling by the country. It is a time for readjustment. ’ ’ (Applause). In reply to Mr Tom Harris regarding the re-appointment of Mr Sterling and whether the candidate thought his remuneration was expensive, the candidate pointed out that a contract had been made with Mr Sterling during the Deform Administration. It was binding to pay Mr Sterling £2500 per annum and a retiring allowance. Sterling off his own bat agreed to accept a smaller remuneration and it had to be remembered that he gave up the managership of a big dairy concern. The candidate said he had no actual hand in the appointment, but there was no Act that could be brought in to destroy the contract. Yes, he did think the terms were too liberal.

Mr Linstrom: Has there been any mention in the House of a State Bank? —No, the State Advances Department is serving the purpose of providing finance for farmers.

Mr W. Boyd, Matangi: Is the State Advances still receiving applications for loans?—Mr Lye: Yes, every day, but the department is snowed up for two reasons. It is not borrowing any more money, and then again it was expected that repayments would have been better.

Mr T. Harris: What party kept United in power two years ago?—Mr Lye: Yes, for 18 months the United, a minority party, was kept in power by the Labour vote. When the crash came in values Labour refused to support the Government because of the cut in wages, hence the special session and Coalition. Labour deserted us, but realising the needs of the country the Reform Party came in solidly with us. (Applause).

Replying to questions as to whether the candidate, if returned, would have an inquiry made into the retail cost of bread on account of the variation in price, it being sold at fid in Morrinsville and 7d in Cambridge, and whether ho was in favour of the Government controlling the price of wheat and flour Mr Lye said he presumed the second question applied to Distributors, Ltd. He agreed the price of bread varied enormously and various factors were at work. He could not understand the variation though coastal shipping freights had a lot to do with it. The books of Distributors, Ltd., should be closely investigated. He would be prepared to make inquiries with a view to preventing coertion or compulsory purchases of flour by bakers in the Dominion. In reply to Mr Boyd the candidate said the sliding scale of duties on wheat was referred to both parties in the House and it w r as considered the best, method to regulate the price.'