BRISK EXCHANGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 201, 26 August 1943, Page 3

BRISK EXCHANGE

LAND COURTS SALARIES DISCUSSED (P.A.) Wellington, Aug. 25. Requests by the Opposition for information as to what members of the Land Sales Court and committees would be naid led to brisk exchanges between the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, and the Minister of Finance, Hon. VV. Nash, in the House of Representatives last night. A vote ot £36,000 rt the supplementary estimates for the remuneration and expenses of the court and committee members was under discussion. Mr. Nash said even if it cost £lOO,OOO. it would be a magnificent investment, as it was going to stop speculation in land and property which in one period of three years in New Zealand had resulted in over £14,000,000 being paid in land agents’ fees and other expenses. It was estimated that the cost of operating the Act in one year would be £54,000. It was proposed to pay the presiding judge £2OOO a year, the same as other judges and associate members would be paid anything from £6OO to perhaps £lOOO a year. Mr. Nash said there was no reason why 'he should tell the House what the Government intended to pay members of committees. The members would be paid what it was considered they were entitled to. Mr. Holland: Are we not entitled to know that? Mr. Nash: No. It would be the height of absurdity to say what the job will cost, and it is just bunkum to talk about information not being given. We have worked out the estimates on previous experience, but I am not going to account for every penny stamp. The Government is not going to have its hands tied in that way.

Mr. Holland: Then we can say we have sought for information and the Minister refused to give it? Mr. Nash: Isn’t that clever? And you talk about co-operation. The Government cannot say what will be paid as that depends on the type of man to be appointed.