MEMBERS’ SALARIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1925, Page 1

MEMBERS’ SALARIES.

N .S. \V. { ONTIIOVEItSY. [Australia A N.Z. Cable Association.] SYDNEY, October 27. A cable from Auckland published in the press to-day stated that in reply to a cable from Mr Savage (Deputy leader of the New Zealand Labour Party) Mr Lang, the Premier bad informed him the recent, increase in N.S.W. Parliamentary salaries were granted with the full approval of all parties of the House, and that it was a misconception to believe Labour introduced merely a bill for its own benefit. In the Assembly this gave riso to lively proceedings, as Mr Perkins asked the Premier had he written to New Zealand stating all sections in Parliament were in favour of “ a salary grab.” Amid an uproar Mr Hill said all the Nationalist members voted against any increase. Mr Lang objected to the increase being called a grab. Ho said if Air Perkins felt ii was a grab, then be was talking of something to which he was not. entitled, and he merely had to write to the Treasury refusing it. He added that the members of the Nationalist Party, 1 hough they voted against the increase, yet all wore accepting the increase. In reply to another question, the Premier said only 0110 member. .Mr Lysoght, a Labourite, had refused the increase. Later in the day Air Bavin returned to the attack and declared Mr Lang had made a false statement. If he had taken the trouble to inform himself of the facts, his answer would have been different. He added that a Premier who answered questions recklessly was almost as bad as the Premier wlto answered questions wrongly. SYDNKY. OctolKu- 28. In ...<■ Assembly -Mr bang said he desired to correct his statement that on)v Mr Lysaht refused the increased salary. He had since learned that Mr Bavin bad also refused. Referring to bis cable to Mr Savage, which read that all parties joined in the movement for increased salaries, he said that was an absolutely true statement. -Members of the Government had been approached by members ot the Nationalist Party requesting an increase, and offering to get up a “ round robin ” lor signature. Certain Nationalists asked the Atforney-Cleneral to apply i lie closure during the debate, so that they might not have to express their opinions regarding the increase. Mr Bavin thereupon explained that lie was unaware that the individual Nationalists bad approached the Government to bring about the increase. The Nationalist Party bad voted ,against, the increase. Air Lang’s cable to New Zealand was an incorrect statement. Mr Lang resented having the sending of a cable to New Zealand recalled. He said a deputation had previously waited on Sir (!. Fuller (late Premier) and had asked lor an increase in salaries to £S7.i>. Ibis proved the Nationalists wanted it, and all be could say was that Air Bavin was the greatest humbug and hypocrite in the House.

Further discussion disclosed the fact that a members’ petition to Air Fang in favour of an increase was placed in the Nationalist party’s room, hut afterwards was torn down, and it disappeared.