MR HOGG AGAIN.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10126, 24 October 1910, Page 5

MR HOGG AGAIN.

AN AMUSING COMPLAINT. During the dissension of the Defence vote in the House of Representatives on Friday night, Mr A. W. j Hogg, M.P., said he considered that the high military officials ' were too well paid. As a protest he moved that the salary of the Director of Military Training and Education (Imperial Staff Officer), which amounted to £650, be reduced by £SO. The salary was equal to that of six co-operative workers. "I know," continued Mr Hogg, "that these officers have to walk like telegraph poles, and imitate railway semaphores when they salute. (Laughter). Also I recognise that they have to wear an immense amount of brass, as well as pipe clay. 1 have every respect for those imported ornaments, for they have to superintend their popguns." (Laughter). Sir Josepyh: I believe that this country is worth protecting. Mr Hogg: It is a wonder that we have survived without any such protection. The Prime Minister went on to say that the country had gone in for an expensive system of defence. There must be an efficient staff to administer it. Mr Hogg replied that he thought that these officers were over-valued. He did not think that because these officers were the imported article, they should be worth as much as two members of Parliament. Replying to Mr G. M. Thomson, the Prime Minister stated that the official in question had been engaged for five years, and the country was commited to the expenditure. Mr Wilford: F.o.b. (Laughter). A member: Then it would be a breach of contract to reduce the salary. Sir Joseph: That is so. Mr Fisher twitted Mr'Hogg as to his own value. Did he consider that he was worth half a Cabinet Minister or three co-operative workers, or half a dozen draught horses? (Laughj ter). If Mr Flop'g reconsidered the matter instead of taking his honorarium he might decide to pay a. salary for being allowed to come to Parliament. . The amendment was rejected on the voices.