Change-over In Parliament

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30093, 29 March 1963, Page 12

Change-over In Parliament

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, March 28. More than a mere changing of offices is involved in a move which began in the old library wing of Parliament Buildings today. When it is completed on Monday, Mr Nordmeyer will occupy the three-room suite of the Leader of the Opposition and his staff, while Mr Nash will take over the room recently occupied by Mr Nordmeyer. At the same time, Mr Nordmeyer will assume the Leader 1 * salary of £2600 a year, plus an annual allowance of £550, travelling al-

lowances up to £215 for time spent outside his electorate, and a house allowance of £3OO. He will also become entitled to a secretary, a messenger and a typist Mr Nash win revert to the salary of an ordinary member of Parliament—£lsso a year, plus a tax-free allowance of £370. The situation also has its difficulties for a former Minister of Education (Mr P. O. S. Skoglund), who was defeated at the last General Election, and who for the last three years has been Mr Nash’s secretary.

Whether or not Mr Nordmeyer requires his services, Mr Skoglund will not be able to hold this position tor long. He will be a candidate in the General Election this year and this means he will have to relinquish his position as secretary the day nominations close. Mr Nakh’s messenger will probably follow him to the room along the corridor. He is Mr W. Heggie, a neighbour and close personal friend of Mr Nash who has often acted as chauffeur (in his own car) to Mr Nash during election campaigns.