Members’ Salaries

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 138, 8 March 1945, Page 6

Members’ Salaries

Sir, —May I be permitted to .point out to “Another Soldier’s Father” —in which category I also have the privilege of being included—that I made no attempt to justify the Leader of the Opposition for the simple reason that no justification is necessary. A full explanation was given by Mr. Holland last Friday in the Concert Chamber, and I feel perfectly sure that the large audience was satisfied to a man as evidenced by the reception accorded the speech. Your readers will agree with me that to cope with the problems and difficulties in the future we must have the best type of man in the House, and it was certainly an act of wisdom to take some steps which would help to ensure this result before the next General Election. —I am, etc., E. J. ARLOW. Wellington March 5. Sir, —This is a subject which still appears to be arousing a considerable amount of criticism, mainly in my opinion hypocritical because of the following :— As Mr. Holland has pointed out, all other sections of the community have had salary increases, —at least their 10 per cent, cut restored and two increases since then, but the M.P. salaries of £5OO which were cut to £450 in the depression have not been restored till now. Previously M.P.’s were allowed £l5O tax free on account of living expenses in Wellington, etc. Therefore the actual increase to members! is only £l5O. (£5O salary and £l5O expenses). What other section of the community has. waited so long before having their 10 per cent, depression cut restored?

Even with the increase of the expense allowance by £lOO to £250 this is surely not overmuch, as last year the House sat for ten months and at this rate the £250 would only give them £6 per week approx, to cover board and sundry expenses in Wellington and this amount would certainly not cover their full expenses. Those people who voted for the National Party at the last election definitely voted for increase in members’ salaries as it was plainly written into their policy. Finally, why compare only the members’ salaries with our underpaid soldiers—what about many other sections of the community who are at present receiving high wages and salaries?—l am, etc., NATIONALIST. Wellington, March 5.