“CUT” RESTORATION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 246, 29 September 1934, Page 8

“CUT” RESTORATION

Legislative Council Views FINANCE BILL PASSED By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, September 28. In moving the second reading of tho Finance Bill (No. 2) in the Legislative Council the Hon. R. blasters said he was sure that members would be gratified to know that the State finances had improved to such an extent that the Government was in a position to increase tho salaries of civil servants and old-age pensions by five per cent. The Hon. W. H. Alclntyre said he did not agree with the proposal to increase the salaries of members of Parliament and State employees at the present time. The improvement in tho Stato finances was due to super sales tax, anti that tax should be removed before tho restoration of salaries was made. Civil servants had too much voting power and lie cousidered that they shlould be placed in a special class like Alaoris, electing their own representatives

The Hon. T. Bloodworth said there were thousands of people not affected by the bill, and he urged tho Government to enable workers to apply to the Arbitration Court for a general order for increase in wages. Tho bill did not make any provision for tho unemployed, who were inadequately provided for. He cousidered that the country should have a larger population and added that the only way this could be brought about was to improve industrial conditions to such au extent that immigrants would be attracted to the country.

The Hon. M. Eagan said that as one who had opposed the cuts he welcomed

the bill as a move in the right direction. He considered that the Government should restore the right to work, ers to approach the Arbitration Court.

The Hon. V. A. Ward said that the bill was a concrete example of the improvement in the Government finances and the Government’s optimistic attitude. The bill was put through all stages and passed. The Land and Income Tax (annual) Bill was put through all stages and passed.