MEMBERS’ SALARIES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 7 August 1926, Page 5

MEMBERS’ SALARIES

BID FOR £6OO.

ALL PARTIES JOIN HANDS. POOR HOPE OF SUCCESS. FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER. WELLINGTON, Aug. G. The movement among members of the House of Representatives to improve their salaries has taken definite shape. It originates probably from a somewhat jocular remark of the Prime Minister during the consideration of electoral matters, when the Leader of the National Party had mentioned a number of members ’ difficulties.

Mr Coates smilingly prompted him with the reminder that he had not mentioned the most important, that of the cost of living in relation to members of Parliament. This was followed with some expressions of opinion from legislators regarding the inadequacy of members honoraria in view of large constituencies and the depreciated value of the sovereign.

It was thought at first that the Government might consent to the reinstatement of the £SO taken off the £SOO salary when the public service suffered from retrenched salaries. However, members are inclined to make a higher bid. Over fifty members, representing the three parties, met t to-day and decided to appoint a sub-committee to interview the Prime Minister, with a request for a £6OO honorarium. The prospects of complete success are not particularly bright in view of the Government’s inability to reduce taxation, and the Finance Minister’s declaration that caution has to be exercised because the revenue is likely to diminish during the present financial year.