The Star. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1920. HELPING THEMSELVES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20058, 22 September 1920, Page 6

The Star. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1920. HELPING THEMSELVES.

The new Civil List which is proposed by tho joint committee of both branches of the Legislature indicates that members are prepared Jto “do themselves well.” It is generally considered that members of the House were underpaid at £3OO, and that £2OO was hardly an adequate honorarium for a Legislative Councillor. The Government made some proposals regarding increases, but Mr Masse;y practically placed tho decision in tho hands of the joint committee, indicating that ho would not oppose a- more liberal allocation from the public funds. Under ordinary circumstances there would be little criticism of the salaries which are now proposed. The demands on the time, and energies of members of tho House have grown out of all recognition. It is exceedingly difficult now for a politician to follow bis profession or trade, simply because the whole of his time is demanded by his constituents. Willy nilly, ho has to sacrifice his private concerns on the altar of his political ambitions; if he will hold his seat, he must be available at any hour of the day or night to his importunate constituents. Five hundred a year is not' an _ excessive amount to pay for such devotion, even though it is not inspired altogether by altruistic motives. The times, however, are out of joint, and members of the Legislature might very well considor whether as a matter of expediency they are wise in exceeding the proposition made by the Government. The demand for more money is the most universal thing to-day, and there is a strong disinclination to “ put any more into the common pot than one can draw out.” Tho columns of the newspapers are full of matter relating to disputes, in which various, sections are striving after more money, with the most contemptuous disregard of the consequences to other people. The Now Zealand Legislature has now a fine opportunity for the exercise ot the spirit ,of self-denial. Strict justice might award them the salaries ■which they are asked to vote themselves. Tho opportunity is now at their hand, however, to give the whole of the community a timely example of restraint. If members of Parliament help themselves to an extra £2OO a year they will give an extra impetus to tho avalanche of demands .which threatens to submerge the finance and industry of the country.