STERLING S WORTH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 237, 6 October 1928, Page 9

STERLING S WORTH

ACTIVE DISCUSSION ON SALARY QUESTION ("Chronicle” Special Parliamentary Service.— Copyright throughout New Zealand.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 5. '‘Some say thc salary is too high, but I can’t help that. Our view was that Air Sterling was the man to run thc Railways and we had to pay to get him. Air Sterling is a young man and he will make his mark.” Thus the Hon. J. G. Coates to-day, speaking on thc committee stages of the Railway Amendment Bill, designed to validate Air Sterling’s appointment.

Air IL E. Holland said he did not doubt that Air Sterling was a competent man but he thought tho Hilary was I far too high and indicated a crisis in tho railway service. A Labour amendment, moved as a sign of protest, was defeated by 41 to Air W. A. A’eitch carried thc debate, stating that the-whole thing indicated a panic decision on the part of thc Government. It .vas not hard to I imagine what had happened. Air Coates: “I don’t trust you when you get on this imagination stunt.” Air Veitch: “I am not su that you are entitled to say that. lam not going to ask for the protection of the chair but I think that remark was quit.e out of place. Air H. Atmore: “I am sure it was. Take him up!” Afr Veitch: “It was most unfair.” Air Coates: “But you said you were going to use your imagination.” Air Veitch: “Quite so I ’nave nothing else to work on.” (laughter). Afr Coates: “1 accept that statement.” Air A’eitch pointed out that Mr Sterling, after remaining in the service only eight years, could retire on £2OOO a year. Ho was a very lucky man. Afr W. S. Glenn said Air Sterling could have made as much money, if not more, had he remained with the New Zealand Dairy Company. Air Loe Alartin: “Never on your life!” Air Glenn: “I say he could have earned more.” Afr Alartin: “Vou are absolutely wrong! ’ ’ Air Speaker: “Order! Odler! ” Air J. Parry thought it wrong that any public servant, should earn more than thc Prime Alinister, whose responsibility was a national one. “When addressing th" 1 electors,” said Air Parry, “I will tell them the truth about this matter.” A member: “That’s right. Shame the Devil!”