Ministers' Salaries.

The Liberal Government's Action.

Mr. W. F. Massey (Franklin).—What about the increases of the Ministers' salaries? Who proposed that, and who voted for it? Compare the present Government's attitude with regard to their salaries with that taken by the prevous Administration in regard to their salaries. A very important difference between the previous Ministry;and this one in connection with their salaries is that, when depression came along, Sir Harry Atkinson moved to reduce Ministers' salaries, and set the example by reducing his own by £700 or £800 a year. But this so-called Liberal Government was not long in power before they set about increasing their own salaries, and with the help of a majority of their supporters they were able to carry it. Then again, coming down the scale, who was it that pro-posed the increase of the members' salaries, and who was it that page 35 voted for it? The Premier said that I voted for the increase of the Governor's salary. I did not. I was not here, and my name is not recorded in the division list for the Bill; but in connection with the increase of members' salaries I want to say this, and I am proud to say it, not a single Opposition member voted for that increase. Not a single Opposition member voted for the increase of the salaries of members of Parliament. I am simply mentioning these instances to show, and I have proved it, that he (Sir J. G. Ward) was unjust in the statements he made that the Opposition always voted for the increase of the larger salaries. They do nothing of the sort; but, as far as I am concerned, and I am quite sure I am voicing the opinion of many members on this side of the House when I say I am anxious to see everybody in the public service properly paid, from a telegraph messenger right up to the head of the department itself, whether the political or the permanent head.—Hansard, No. 19, page 158.