PAYMENT OF MEMBERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2978, 15 August 1891, Page 2

PAYMENT OF MEMBERS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It is difficult to keep up a controversy where on most points the parties are agreed. I think there is only small analogy between the case of Cincinnatus and a paid member of Parliament. No doubt it was very good of Cincinnatus after crushing tho enemies of Home to go home and be content with his three acres and a cow, and leave all the land-grabbing to the rest of the Roman patricians, who were wonderful adepts at the business; they did not allow any plobian three acres and a cow if they could help it. A most satisfactory way of reducing the expenditure at Wellington would be to still further reduce tho number of members. The "talking machine" at Wellington talks too much, and to very little purpose. It is said of Benjamin Franklin that he never spoke more than u quarter of an hour, and yet he was one of the greatest of statesmen. How would some of the " wind-bags" at Wellington like to bo bound to a quarter of an hour ? Hansard might be readable then. The sight of the book at present is enough to give one the nightmare. Anything that could reduce the gabble of the " talking machine " would be a blessing; but pray let the poor beggars who are supposed to talk for our good have a decent living.—Yours, etc., Jos. J. Babugh.

Wartle, 11th August, IS9I. P.S.—l am tired of this controversy and intend concluding with this short letter, as on most points 1 agree with my opponent.