THE HOUSE

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5538, 21 July 1920, Page 5

THE HOUSE

SALARIES OF SUPREME' COURT

JUDGES

MR. MASSEY SUPPORTS INCREASES.

CIVIL SERVICES WAGES ARYAN CED-BY £2,000,000 PER ANNUM.

Press Association Telegram. WELLINGTON, July 19. The War Regulations Amendment Rill, extending the term of certain war regulations, ivsis introduced, and read a first time. Civil List Bill,- No. 2, was introduced. Mr Massey explained that the meas>_ ure took away the proposal to exempt certain salaries from income tax. the Bill was read a first time. Lie House then went into committee on the Judicature Amendment Bill. / The Minister in Charge moved a new clause, increasing the salary of i the Chief Justice to £2250, and each of the other judges to. £2OOO. Mr MeCallum spoke in contemptuous terms of the increases given and moved that th e salary of the Chief Judge be reduced by £1 asi an indication that the salary should be further increased. Mr Massey, while agreeing with the worthiness of judges, said the time wa s coming when more would have to bo paid for the best brains. But lie called, attention to the financial position. That morning he had been provided with figures showing the increases’ in salaries and bonuses to the civil service. It was not jess tiian two millions per annum. He did not expect to be compelled to increase taxation this year, but people would have to face increases in railway fares and freights .and telegraph charges. In the case uf departments unable to gain increased revenue, the charge would fall upon the Consolidated bund.. Mr P. Fraser put in a plea for low paid workers and others in receipt of amounts that barely afforded them a living. Highly placed officials wove not suffering any special hardships from the high cost of living. Mr Is-itfc protested against the suggestion that in dealing adequately with judges’ salaries members were lac.ving in sympa thy with the low paid people of the country. , Mr MeCallum withdrew his amendment, and the measure was put through committee, reported and get down for third reading: next sitting day.