CIVIL SERVANTS’ SALARIES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 291, 7 November 1929, Page 11

CIVIL SERVANTS’ SALARIES.

DISCUSSION IN PARLIAMENT. When the motion moved by the Leader of the Labour Party dealing with the salaries of civil servants was under discussion in the House of Representatives, Mr J. A Nash (Palmerston) said that he was somewhat at a disadvantage in that he returned to Wellington only that evening, and therefore had not . heard the arguments used by the mover or by the others who had spoken. However, he desired to make his position perfectly clear. He had stated that he would support the restoration of the “cuts” if it were practicable, but had always made the reservation that he would not support a motion moved by the Leader of the Labour Party. Mr Nash added: “My electorate know my position. I have stated it publicly on the flatform and can produce evidence that have also stated it half a dozen times in the House. In the past members of the Labour Party have stated that it was impossible for the Government to find the money, and that they would not support any amendment which gave relief in certain directions. That statement has been made by members of the Labour Party. That was the position taken up. Why? Simply because the members of the Labour Party were asking for concessions from the Government at the time. They would sjmply bleed the Government white if they had the opportunity, and that is the unfortunate position into which we have drifted this session. The United Government is being driven by the Labour Party, the members of which have kept silent on nearly every question brought before the House. Another reason why I do not intend to support the'motion is that if it were carried the Leader of the Labour Party would be sent for to form a Government, and if the bon.

gentleman thinks that a vote of mine will ever be used to assist in putting him in office he is making the biggest mistake in his life. There is a further objection I have—that the motion recommends the imposition of a super-tax on incomes of £IOOO a year and over. I have voted on a previous occasion this session against the infliction of further burdens being placed' on the people, burdens which were imposed by the present Government and supported by the ‘king-maker’ and his followers. The Government would never have been in a position to carry the legislation it has carried this session had it not been for the assistance it has received from the Labour Party. The session is nearly at an end, and the Labour Party has had everything it asked for, because the Government has not dared to refuse, and now at the eleventh hour we find the ‘king-maker’ and his supporters making a demand which they probably imagine they will force this side of the House into supporting.” Mr Nash added that he would not support any motion brought forward bv the Leader of the Labour Party. “It would be a calamity for this country if the honourable gentleman were sent for by the Governor-General and asked to form a Government, because he might be able to do it. Are we going to give him that opportunity? I say, No. The members of this House are too much alive to the situation. The members of tlje Labour Party are merely biting the hand that has fed them all through this session.”