MAYORAL HONORARIA

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 167, 11 April 1935, Page 6

MAYORAL HONORARIA

The discussion by the Lower Hutt Borough Council on- the subject of mayoral honoraria gives pause for some reflections upon the principles involved. Public life used to be the special privilege and preserve of men of means and leisure. Recognition of the claims of democracy that it should be open to all has involved the consequential acknowledgment that those who give their time and energies to the service of the public should be indemnified in some way in respect of the calls made upon their pockets. British people have a traditional dislike to putting men who serve them in public life on a salaried footing, because they think that would encourage professional politicians. With their genius for compromise they have overcome the difficulty by describing allowances made to their public men by the more dignified term, honoraria. _ Most of us should be able to answer the question whether this device has succeeded in excluding the professional politician. That, however, is by the way. Democratic institutions have not yet so far degenerated in local and general politics as to deter many men—and women—animated by a sense of duty and a spirit of service from placing their abilities at the disposal of their communities. It must be admitted, however, that many others inspired by similar motives are obliged to refrain because .of their inability to meet the calls they know will be made upon their pockets. The tendency is for these calls to increase in number and variety. This is especially the case in regard to the,mayoral office, and at a time when public opinion is demanding a higher standard of efficiency in local government it is important that men of real ability should not be discouraged from offering their services by the fear that the calls made upon their resources may be more than they can afford. Hence it would be poor economy to stint the honoraria. At the same time it would be a mistake to encourage a rising scale of contributions to clubs and charities and of expenditure on social, obligations by too liberal honoraria. The mayoral office may have its ornamental side, but it also has its serious side, which it should be the citizens’ business to see is adequately and efficiently served.