MINISTERS' SALARIES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 2 May 1922, Page 7

MINISTERS' SALARIES.

N.S.W. COALITION'S DIFFICULT*

BY CABLE—PEESS ASSOCIATION—COPYEIGHT Received May 2, 12.15 p.m.

SYDNEY, May 2

After an acrimonious discussion, the , Coalition decided to support the Cabi- { net's Salaries Bill, though it is feared i that several will vote with Labour if | the latter proposes a further reduction in Ministers' salaries. I Mr. Dooley has issued a statement from his home justifying the increases on the grounds that country members when travelling are put to an expense of £2 a day, w rhich leaves little for the, j maintenance of a family after £2 extra' iis earmarked, for election expenses. He contends that a reduction will play into 1 the hands of the wealthy classes, who ; can afford public life. I The Herald says that the members' J salaries controversy involves .the possibility of a Government defeat, should the Progressives move an amendment for a further reduction in Ministers' i salaries, as they would carry the Lab- ; our vote. The Progressives urged the '! Government to allow the question to <be an open one and leave the decision -to the House. Sir George Fuller refused, but in consequence of the strength of the opposition disclosed, it is believed that Sir George Fuller will compromise. Cabinet meets to-day to make a definite decision. j

The Herald adds t that Ministers, by haggling and fighting against a red_uc- j tion of their own salaries, have done ! themselves and party considerable ' harm, which could have been avoided had they confided their intentions to ' their followers. j