IN PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3298, 17 August 1911, Page 2

IN PARLIAMENT.

A SERIES OF QUESTIONS.

HOUSE OF REPRESEETATIVES.

SOME INTERESTING REPLIES

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.! WELLINGTON, August 16 The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Guardian Trust and Executors Company Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. Replying to questions, Ministers stated that: — I'lle reports upon the claims of old soldiers heard by Magistrates, are now being compiled, and it is hoped to have them ready at an early date, when the Government will consider how best to give effect to them. A vigorous policy of afforestation is being pursued, and a. great extension of tree planting operations is contemplated. The Government is carefully observing the results of the State note issue in (the Commonwealth. The demands for cordite and for small arms at present. are too small to warrant a heavy initial expense for plant etc. The question of establishing a State clothing factory will be considered. The whole question concerning the employment of shunters is at present engaging the Minister’s attention. The basis on which the Railways Superannuation Fund was established will not permit of the benefits of the Fund being further extended, and that the proposal to allow persons to continue their contributions to the Superannuation Fund after their retirement from the sendee could not be entertained. The Government is no.t prepared to hand over to three irresponsible men (two of whom are railway employees), the administration of railways, which is the largest of the (State Departments. The freight on imported timbers could not be reduced. The question of the pay of railway men is now engaging the Minister’s attention. An actuary is at present engaged on the examination of the Public Service Superannuation Fund, and expects to have his report ready next month. The educational syllabus is now under consideration, and rearrangement will follow, generally on the lines suggested at the last conference of inspectors. It is not at present intended to remove the preferential duty from plant and machinery required for boring for petroleum. The revision of the tariff for the purpose of equalising the tariffs between Australia and New Zealand in our agricultural produce will not be dealt with this session, hut the question of adjustment will be considered with a view to entering mto negotiations with the Commonwealth Government during the recess. The proposal to transfer to local bodies in whose districts unoccupied Crown lands are situated, such lands as inalienable endowments, could not be entertained. The question of extending the guarantee of Id per pound to next season’s shipment of apples is under consideration. During the discussion on answers to questions this afternoon, Mr Massey stated that the way old soldiers were treated was a disgrace. He was quite prepared to vote 10s a week to all veterans who could prove service during the Maori wars.