PARLIAMENTRY JOTTINGS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1921, Page 1

PARLIAMENTRY JOTTINGS.

SI’KCIAI. TO Ol' Alt 111 AN. Till’. PROPOSED I I'T. WELLIXOTON. N't iv. 21. Mi- Massey’s latest statement regarding tin’ proposed reduction in Civil Service salaries seems rather to,, obsciiic. The position, the l’rime Minister says, is that the ten per cent reduction will apply down to a certain point not yet fixed, and that in cases of lower salaries and wages any reduction that may take place will he proportionate to the decrease in the cost of living. He added that the Cnvernment d'id not intend to depart from any undertaking given to Uncivil Service with regard to wall's.

The.se statements appear to modify tin- original announcement which was that the (lovernment intended to ask Parliament to agree probably lo a ten ],C|- ecu I reduction of all salaries down to L’2fHl or perhaps £3OO. Civil s;ervice organisations are elaiming that their agreements with the Coveriimeut proride against any reduction at oil under the present conditions. The (lovernment apparently has not vet made definite plans. Ta the meantimeli there is a well sii|>pnrted report that if tlx- ten per cent rediletion ta.ke s place, the railwayinen will pul their protest ill a very emphatic form.

SIR .lOSKRH WARD. \VBLIJN(JTON. Nov. 21

Sir Joseph Ward and Lady Ward w,-r» passengers aboard tin- laliiti which reached Wellington to-day from San Franeiseo. W'arm weleomes were extended him. x-Prime Minister ap])eared to he in excellent spirits, and responded very cheerfully to the good wishes that were extended to him. lie showed traces- of the severe iUtiess that he suffered in London some time ago. hut ho assured his friends that his health lead improved greatly in recent months. He declined to he interviewed. He iiulieaU-d that he was not making plans far ahead. He had been out of New /ealand for a long time, and he did not wish to commend on its affairs without a fuller knowledge than he at. present possessed.