SALARIES OF M.P.’S.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1922, Page 5

SALARIES OF M.P.’S.

“CUT" TREATED AS JOKE.

FARCE IN AUSTRALIA.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received Oct. 12, 7.40 p.m. Melbourne, Oct. 12.

The House of Representatives treated the proposal to reduce the salaries of members of the House by £2OO a year largely as a farce. The debate was punctuated with much laughter and chaffing. Mr. W. M. Hughes’ introducing speech was lukewarm. While contending that members were worthy of a higher scale of pay in view of the increased cost of living in recent years, he declared the cost of living was now falling, with a consequent reduction in wages, and the Ministry could not ask the country to accept the position without asking Parliament to set an example. The Leaders of the Opposition and Country Parties opposed the Bill. They regarded the submission of the proposal in the closing days of Parliament, when members are about to face their constituents, as smart electioneering tactics. Some members declared they would prefer no payment to the inadequate remunration proposed. Mr. Hughes expressed disappointment at the reception. From the outset, however, it was plain that the measure was foredoomed, and the anticipated had happened.