POLITICIANS PRIVILEGES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 272, 12 July 1932, Page 6

POLITICIANS PRIVILEGES

CECIL H.

CLINKARD.

Sir, — Very frequent statements are ,.'«ade as to the above and I think it ;jiiy fair tliat the public should know Jie facts. I have to refer to myself to illustrate the position; just a case in point descriptive of others in like circumstances. Let me say however that with well over 30 years gratuitous service; on id kinds of looal bodies, I may claim x-'ti.pticn from any accusation of roiii seeking. (1) In 1922 members' honoraria i*ere reduced 10 per cent to £450. Two ,'urther cuts of 10 per cent. recently oave brought it down to £360 less wages tax £18, nett say £342. Out of chis, members have to pay all expenses. (2) A country member with a large district like my own, must keep a „ar, and for four years my mileage •n duty has been from 2100 to 3600 miles (not counting election time.) At id per mile, this represents £52 to £90 :.'er annum. (3; In 1931-32 Parliament sat for 2U7 days in two sessions; during which I had to board in Wellington, keeping two homes. (4) The term "Bellamy's" is used to cover all sorts of itoms and services which have no relation to members. Ncthing is free 'except a bath. I pay 1/6 for each meal, and charges at the refreshment eounter are the same as at hotels. As a matter of fact the din:ug and refreshment section make a profit of some £500 per annum. (5) The final portion of the economy report dealing with Bellamy's ishows that taking equal items only, ihe legislative department, in 1914, cost £40,757, and in 1931-32 the same items cost £13,545 more. But what the commission failed to mention was, that Parliament, in 1914, held one session of 130 days; while in 1931-32 two sessions were held extending over 207 days — 77 extra days. If a daily average is aken, it works out at about £50 per ■iay less than in 1914. (6) Rail, postage and stationery. A commercial traveller would be recompensed for these items from his employer. No oificial or officer of any department or local body would be expected to pay such out of his own P'ocket. (7) When I entered Parliament, members told me I should find it impossible to carry on any other business, and I found that was so. We have a full-time job. Many of us nave had to cut out contributions to societies, etc., to which we have subscribed for years. Il make.no complaint. I helped to reduce my pay with others, but let the fact be known. Let us compare Australia with New Zealand. In Australia, the functions and responsibilities of government are divided between the Commonwealth and State Parliaments, whereas in New Zealand the Dominion Parliament has all the work to do. The Commonwealth has 76 members at £1000 per annum; New South Wales, 90 members at £744 per annum; Victoria, 65 members at £469 per annum. Queensland, 72 members at £500 per annum; South Australia, 46 members at £380 per annum; Western Australia, 50 members at £540 per annum. Total lower houses, 399; salaries £246,925. New Zealand, all functions, 80, £28,800. Yours. etc..

Rotorua, July 11.