RETRESCHMENT PROPOSALS.

Otaki Mail, 18 January 1922, Page 2

RETRESCHMENT PROPOSALS.

CUT IX CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES. ALL DEPARTMENTS AFFECTED. SAVING OF OVER £2,000,000. The Hill dealing with retrenchment in tlic Government Departments was introduced in the House of Representatives last night. The Government proposes to make three reductions in ail Civil Service salaries, at intervals of three mouths, the first reduction dating from January I. 1022. The effect of the reductions will be to extinguish, or almost extinguish, the special addition of £SO made to the salaries last; year. 1 lie earlier bonuses will remain intact for the present. The details of the scheme as explained by the Prime Minister show that a small measure of graduation is proposed. SOLDIERS’ SETTLEMENT SCHEME. DIVORCE LAW. The Legislative Council passed the Valuations of Laud Amendment Hilt and the Local Bodies’ Finance Hill yesterday. The Divorce Amendment Hill "as introduced in the Council. It proposes to take away from ihu guilty partner the right to secure divorce on tiio ground of three years’ legal soparThe Public Expenditure Adjustment I ..11 was introduced iu tho House of Representatives. The Prime Minister explained that the effect of its provisions was to withdraw by instalment the £SO increase in salaries granted to Civil servants in 1920. The Bill provides that regard shall be given to movements in the cost of living. Important provisions are contained in the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Amendment Bill, which meets some of the difficulties that have arisen lately owing to the fall in the prices of produce. Rents and other payments may be postponed for a maximum period of three years, and the periods of the mortgages and agreements extended accordingly. Members of the Houso discussed tho Country Telephone Lines Amendment, Bill at some length. Several country members objected to the proposal that, local bodies should rato their districts to provide, fuudH for telephones. Tho Bill was passed. The House also passed the Companies Amendment Bill and the Public Trust Office Amendment Bill.