MEMBERS' SALARIES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5011, 9 August 1926, Page 3

MEMBERS' SALARIES.

BID FOR £6OO. A DEFINITE MOVE. The movement among members of the House of Representatives to improve their salaries has taken definite shape. It originated probably from a somewhat jocular remark of the Prime Minister during consideration of electoral matters. When the Leader of the National party had mentioned a number of members’ difficulties Mr Coates smilingly prompted him with .a reminder that lie had not mentioned the most important that of the cost of living in relation to members of Parliament. This was followed with some expressions oil! opinion from legislators,, regarding the inadequacy of member’s honoraria, in view elf large constituencies and the depreciated value of the sovereign. It was thought at first that the Government might cOnseht to the reinstatement of £5O taken off the £5OO salary when the Public Service suffered from retrenched salaries However, members are inclined to make a higher bid. Over fifty representing the three parties met on Friday and decided to appoint a sub-committee to interview the Prime Minister, with a request for £6OO honorarium'. Prospects of complete success .are not particularly bright, in view of the Government’s inability to reduce taxa;tidh and the Finance Minister’s declaration that caution hast to be exercised because the revenue, is likely to diminish during the present financial yean