Patea & Waverley Press MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1929 THE £l00 GRAB.

Patea Mail, Volume L, 25 November 1929, Page 2

Patea & Waverley Press MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1929 THE £loo GRAB.

THE politicians in this country have not yet heard the last of the £IOO “grab,'” as the bonus they recently voted themselves has been termed: The “Dominion” of Saturday referred to the matter in the following terms:— “ Everyone in New Zealand would welcome a .'Christmas bonus of £IOO paid in a lump sum; but only some 00 odd members of Parliament are to enjoy this self-given largesse at the State’s expense. Many of the rest of us arc in receipt instead of land tax and income tax assessments. It is cold comfort to know that we are helping M.P.’s to make merry. There would have been some consolation if the people had been consulted and had agreed to give the bonus. But, far from it, the paid servants of the State asked no permission,, begged no. pardons, and helped Them selves to the “lump sum” from the Treasury, of 'Which they are the trustees. Meanwhile the Government, Avhich made this raid possible by handing over the legislative key, is finding it necessary to dismiss telegraph linesmen on the eve of the festive season. That is another sort of Christma.w bonus. It may be justified on the necessities of the situation, but makes a very sombre showing against the M.P.’s three-figure cheque.” There is no doubt whatever that the present Parliament has established a dangerous precedent. If mend bers can vote themselves a bonus of one hundred sovereigns when times are admittedly lean (so much so that poorly paid f Civil Servants could not obtain .what was their due), there is no knowing what sum they may vote themselves in the future when things are brighter. Every member of the present Parliament ofr seeking re-clcction, should be asked whether he has availed himself of the £IOO grab, and if his reply is in the affirmative then he should be given to understand that bis sendees are no longer required. There, was a time when the honour of representing their district in Parliament was a sufficient reward for members. Apparently they now desire to be paid for their patriotic efforts, and paid well.