SALARIES OF ENGINEERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 116, 1 March 1950, Page 4

SALARIES OF ENGINEERS

INCREASE URGED FORMER MINISTRY OF WORKS OFFICER (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Feb. 28. If the power shortage is to be overcome in a reasonable time the way must be opened for better salaries and opportunities for the engineering staff, is the opinion of Mr H. Sunley, until recently senior mechanical engineer (hydroelectric) in the Ministry of Works. L£e is now in Auckland waiting for a ship to take him to Australia, where he has a position with a private firm.

The setting up of an electricity commission, with full control of the design and building of electric works and freedom in the disposition and payment of its staff, is suggested by Mr Sunley as the one way of overcoming what he describes as “the drag of the Public Service.” 1-Ie believes that the total cost to New Zealand would be no greater, as the best available brains would be obtained and kept, and time and money would be saved. “Unless something is done to set a faster pace than laid down in the present schedules, T think the power shortage will probably continue for another 20 or 30 years,” said Mr Sunley. “This lakes into account the progress of industry, the programme of house building, both private and State, and the plans of the State Hydro-electric Department.”