SALARIES OF MEMBERS

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1927, Page 1

SALARIES OF MEMBERS

SHOULD NOT BE RAISED. CHRISTCHURCH. Oct 29. There were some bright pasages in a discussion at a conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce yesterday afternoon, upon the suggested increase in salaries of members of Parliament. The conference passed a motion disapproving of the suggested increase, “as being most inopportune owing to the present financial stringency in the Dominion.” On behalf of the Palmerston North Chamber, no representative of which were present, Mr J. B. Richards Stratford) moved the remit. Ho said that the suggested increase was not the outcome of scarcity of men. There was no lack of applicants for Parliamentary positions. In one electorate there had been five. Tt had been suggested that this great numlier might have something to do> with unemployment. (Laughter.) It would he very unwise for the country to countenance elimination »f the desire for people to do something for nothing. He would not in any way, however suggest that the Parliamentarians were not a body of good men. Mr J. M’Lean (Greymonth) objected to any increase on the grounds that the wages of working men were being reduced throughout the country, and that the present was a time for economy. Mi AY. J. Butler (Hokitika): Would this he a matter to submit to the Arbitration Court? (Laughter.) “AA'e’rc not saying that the men are not, worth the £450 they receive,” said Mr A. G. Lunn (Auckland), ‘'buttime is not opportune for an increase I was speaking to a member of Parliament not many hours ago. and he told me that .in effect, members received £250 a year not £l5O. He put it this way: There was £l5O for election expenses, which worked out at £SO a year, and at least £SO a yeai for subscriptions or donations to football or other sports clubs. Then those members not residents in Wellington had to pay £IOO a year board, leaving £250. “In fairness to these men. I would suggest that those whose homes are outside Wellington should be given an extra allowance to cover expenses. Ate don't want to see Parliament entirely a rich man’s privilege,”