N.S. WALES POLITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18544, 3 May 1922, Page 5

N.S. WALES POLITICS

THE SALARIES BILL. AN ACRIMONIOUS DEBATE. * A COMPROMISE EXPECTED. Frees Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, May 2. After an acrimonious discussion the Coalition decided to support the Cabinet’s Salaries Bill, though it is feared that several members will vote with Labour if the latter proposes a further reduction in Ministers’ salaries. Mr Dooley has'issued a statement from his home justifying the increases on the ground that country members when travelling are put to an expense of £2 per day, which leaves little for the maintenance of a member’s family, after a certain amount extra has been earmarked for election expenses. He contends that the reduction will play into the hands of the wealthy classes who -can afford public life. The Herald says: “The members’ salaries controversy involves the possibility of the Government’s defeat should the Progressives move an amendment for the further reduction of Ministers’ salaries, as they would carry the Labour vote. The Progressives urged the Government to allow the question to be an open one and to leave the decision to the House. Sir George Fuller refused to agree to this, but in consequence of the strength of the opposition which has been disclosed it is believed that he will compromise. Cabinet will meet to-day to make a definite decision.” The Herald ‘ adds : “Ministers, by haggling and fighting against a reduction of their own salaries, have done themselves and the party considerable harm, which could have been avoided if they had confided their intentions to their followers.” EXPULSION OF MR CATTS. ENDORSED BY FEDERAL LABOUR PARTY. SYDNEY, May 2. The Federal Labour Party’s Executive endorsed the action of the New South Wales Executive -in expelling Mr J. H. Catts. It states that anything amiss in the movement should be remedied from within. CONSIDERATION BY CABINET. SYDNEY, May 2. (Received May 2,,at 10.10 p.m.) ' The Cabinet considered at length the question of the reductioq of Ministers’ salaries, but declined to make the result of the meeting public. •