N.S.W. POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 April 1922, Page 2

N.S.W. POLITICS.

parliament opened. iIEMBERS’ SALARIES. PREMIER’S PROPOSALS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Sydney, April 2C. Parliament was opened by Governor’s commission, and elected Mr. Levy .as Speaker. The Governor’s speech will be delivered later in session when Sir George Fuller has put the final touches on his programme. Parliament sat throughout the niglit. The Bill to reduce the salaries of Ministers and members was withdrawn in consequence of interjections from both sides of the House. The Bill will be brpught back with amendments later. Mr. Cocks, Treasurer, speaking -of New South Wales finances, said the previous Government had left a deficit ranging from five to six millions as a legacy. Cabinet has approved a of proposals by Sir George Fuller for extensive country developmental work, in which he is seeking tbe co-operation of the Federal Government. They include preparing lands for settlement; training farmers and irrigation schemes, which will provide work for the unemployed and immigrants. Special attention is being directed to the Murray Valley lands in New South Wales, and Crown lands between- the Great Northern Railway and the North Coast Railway, also hydro-electric schemes at • Burrinjuck and the Clarence River.

Sir George Fuller is seeking to secure an agreement with the Federal Government and, if necessary, the British Government, to finance the scheme. Sydney, April 27.

The election of Mr. Levy to the Speakership was responsible for a bitter debate. Mr. Wilson, in moving his election, said he wanted to deny the statement that the position was being given Mr. Levy as a reward for his ac? tion in stepping down from the chair and bringing about the dissolution of Parliament.

Mr. Cann considered that Mr. Levy had not proved himself an impartial Speaker. He had lowered the dig-nity of Parliament and now was being given the position as part of a bargain. It was highly undignified that a man occupying the position of Speaker should be carrying on business as a solicitor, which carried him into the Police Court, where doubtless he would be engaged defending drunks and others charged with disorderly conduct. Mr. •J. McGdrr declared that Mr. Levy obtained the nomination because he held documents which, if made public, would bring Sir George Fuller and the members of his Ministry down on their knees to plead for forgiveness. There were reasons why file other side did not dare to nominate any other man. He congratulated Mr. Levy on being able to work with any Government in power. The majority of the speakers, including the Leader of the Progressives and Opposition members, spoke favorably of Mr. Levy’s qualifications. Sir George Fuller, congratulating him, said the Government had supported him for one reason only, that thAy were picking out the one man above all others, from what they knew of his actions ip the chair, most capable of filling the position.