SALARY RISE.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 236, 2 October 1920, Page 13

SALARY RISE.

LONELY PROTESTS. CBj Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. One member, Mr W. Glenn, Rangitikei, was found to oppose the increase- in members' honoraria to £500 when tlieCivil List Bill was dealt with iv committee to-night. He said he was a new member who knew nothing of last session's agreement, and he had told his constituents that he wanted no increase of £300, therefore he would protest against the proposal. '"Every member and Minister preached thrift," he added, "and the first opportunity you have to get a rise you do it." Members: Not the first opportunity. (Laughter.) "Let the hon. gentleman speak for himself," declared Mr. J. P. Luke, who asked Mr. Glenn to look at the position from the view point of the average member, and have regard to the fnez that the electors well understood that the increase would be granted. Hon. J. A. Hanan suggested making the increase to £500 retrospective from the beginning of the session, but Mr. Isitt contended that as the electors knew the increases would be paid to the elected candidates, it should start from the date of the election. Some references to the fact that the only critic was wealthy, created a passing breeze and protest from Mr. Glenn that he should be attacked all round.

Another critic eventually came to light in Mr. Burnett, Temuka, who asked what would be thought by the middle class, unprotected by unions, who could not provide themselves with increases to meet present conditions. It would be fairer, he thought, to secure better residential accommodation for members in Wellington. He thought £50 to f, 100 was a more reasonable increase.

The Premier stated that no member could keep a family on £300, therefore he favoured the increase, but he was against making it retrosDective to a greater extent than April 1. The superannuation idea had broken down, as experts found it impossible to do more than guess the cost. Parliament would, however, have to make provision for at least six indicrent ex-members.

The Chairman of Committees said he could not accept that amendment, as it involmed an increase in the amount, which could only be submitted to tho House through the medium of a Governor's Message. The better way would be to withdraw the amendment and allow the Prime Minister to bring down a fresh amendment fixing the date at April !.• This was agreed to, and the amendment was withdrawn.

The remaining clauses of the bill were passed, but on coming to the schedules, which provided for the salaries of Ministers, the Prime Minister moved to report progress on the bill, which will come up for consideration at a later date. The Ministers' salaries as proposed by the Government are: Prime Minister" £2000, other Ministers £1300, and if only one Maori member of the Executive is appointed £1000, if two £500 each.