GALLERY NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 249, 19 September 1929, Page 6

GALLERY NOTES

DAY IN PARLIAMENT.

MONEY FOR ROAD WANTED. (By Telegraph—Special to Standard). WELLINGTON. Sept. 18. Mr W. H. Field (Otaki) asked the Minister of Public Works in the House of Representatives to-day whether the necessary money will be quickly made available to enable the Horowhenua County Council to carry, out their plana for the completion and paving of the final eighteen miles in the Horowhenua County of the mam Wellington Auckland highway. “Unless this money is provided at once,’ he said, “over 100 men will be thrown out of employment, and valuable plant and a large sum of loan money nearing interest and sinking fund will he idle.” Hon. E. A. Ransom replied: The Main Highways Board is recommending -the provision of such funds as the finances available to it for construction purposes, during the current financial year, will permit. This will enable re-formation to be carried out by the Horowhenua County Council during the current financial year. To provide sufficient to complete the eighteen miles mentioned during the present year would absorb almost halt the amount available for expenditure in the Wellington West highway district which includes eight other counties, seven boroughs and one town district. A STRANGER. The comparative calm that rules in the public gallery of the House of Representatives was rudely disturbed to-night. When Mr E. J. Howard was introducing hie Workers’ tion Amendment Bill a man in the gallery shouted a loud “Hear! hear!” Mr Howard, uncertain from whence came the interruption, paused for a moment and said he was glad that he had the support of someone. “Hear! hear!” shouted the intruder, “and from a worker, too.” Mr Howard realised then that his supporter was not on the floor of the Chamber. Presently the chief messenger, with two stalwart constables, appeared on the scene and the noisy intruder was quickly shifted and assisted out of the House. RURAL ADVANCES BONDS. The Minister of Finance stated today that the sales of bonds that have already taken place give ample evidence that the security offered by rural advances bonds is satisfactory to financiers and investors m New Zealand and elsewhere, who have readily taken them up. CHEAP MONEY WANTED. Mr F. Langstone (Waimarino) asked the Minister of Finance when the Government is going to give effect to its declared policy of advancing up to £8,000,000 per annum to settlers and workers for a 32 J year term at 4J per cent. Sir Joseph Ward replied that _ action will be taken when the conditions enable the Government to obtain money on terms that will permit the State Advances Board to lend at reduced rates. INVALID HUSBANDS. Mr A. M. Samuel (Thames) asked the Minister in charge of the Pensions Department whether the Government will bring down legislation this session to provide assistance - for women who have invalid husbands. He said that there are many distressing cases in New Zealand of men who, through sickness or accident, are totally incapacitated, and who have no income whatever to support those who are dependent upon tnem. Hon. W. A. Veitch replied that while it is not proposed to introduce legislation in this direction this session, the matter is receiving the serious consideration of the Government. OLD AGE PENSIONS.

Hon. W. A. Veitch stated to-day that, in regard to old age pensions, it is not deemed possible to provide an increase this session, but the question is being given careful consideration by the Government.