Polities in N.S.W.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1922, Page 3

Polities in N.S.W.

M.P’S SALARIES. SYDNEY, A!ay . In the New South Wales Assembly to-day, there was a healed battle over the Ministers’ Salaries Reduction Bill. The debate ended in the Government accepting an aim ndment by Mr ilruylier, Leader of the Progressive Party, fixing the total amount to he allotted as Ministcis’ salaries at £16,000 a year, instead of £20,090 as was, proposed by the Government. This amendment was carried on the voices. In the meantime Mr McGirr moved an amendment to make the Cabinet allottment £l6,ooo.,This was defeated. The Treasurer pronounced the nllottinent os follows:—Premier 02000 a year; Attorney-Geneial, 01600: VicePresident of the Executive Council. 0900; nine .Ministers, 01500 a year each. Then, with frequent applications of the "gag,” against which members’ strong protests were entered, the Bill was taken through the remaining stages and was sent to the Legislative Cotineil. The proceedings throughout were of a very acrimonious character. These sordid squabbles in Parliament, anil the temporising of the Government over the reductions, have caused a painful public feeling, and also much sarcastic Press and private remarks. The Labour Party hns all along directly opposed reductions, but the hulk of the other members were pledged to them. It is evident, however, that very few members regarded them in a kindly spirit, anil were pre-determined to make the best possible terms. Pleas for the poorer members who are dependent on their salaries, and even the poorer members’ wives, in letters to the Press, were strongly urged. The Government found itself in a tight place between the reaclcitrants of its own party and the Progressive section. The Progressive Party were delerI „1,1 nini M:r I licit- nollllll cl

mined on onininmg meir poimu i-i , flesh for any support given. The Go- i vernment was compelled to surrender ; on several points to avert a possible defeat. The Ministers fought over theiy own salaries. This proved the hottest part of the battle. Besides placing the Ministers in anything but a favourable light, the fight disclosed that a strong enve-in Government existed, and the Government had a very tricky House to handle. On the-whole, the cave hns decidedly scored in this first encounter.

N.S.W. POLITICS. 'Received This Day at 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 4. The. Legislative Council passed the second reading of the Salaries Rill by 2G to 17, and the measure was carried through all stages without amendment. The Assembly adjourned till Tuesday for the signing of the Bill and prorogation for a few weeks is then indlpated;