LAW BROKEN

Grey River Argus, 30 April 1932, Page 7

LAW BROKEN

By Government IN CUTTING PENSIONS. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.? WELLINGTON, April 29. “How does the Prime Alinister know this B 11 will pass .the Upper House?” asked Air H. E. Holland in the House to-day, when complaining that pensions and wages had already been paid on a lower basis although the Bill to reduce them had eot been passed. Mr Forbes: “I am certain of it.” Labour Members: “Oh! Oh!” Air Atmore: “Well, you shouldn’t be! ” Air Holland: “Docs '.that mean that the Prime Alinister has been bargain, ing with the Upper House?” Air Forbes: “Oh, no.” Air Holland: “The Government has broke n the law by reducing pensions. No one is entitled to break the law, just because the ‘Other Place’ will indemnify it.” Air Jordan: “It shows the uselessness of the Upper House!” Air Holland: “These people who have been short paid are entitled to recover at law! ’’ The Prime Minister: “Only until the Bill is passed. ” Mr Holland: “Yes, the Prime Afinis. ‘tor can get it back, but, surely, there would be enough justice in any Court, of law to give costs against the Primo Alinister a nd his Government,” Mr Richards: “It is legalised theft! ” Mr Holland: “The Government that deliberately breaks the law cannot complain if other people follow its example and do the same.”