MOKAU.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1277, 4 November 1911, Page 13

MOKAU.

(Sir,—Surely the Premier is an accomplished hand at clouding an issue—in other words, in attempting to cover up the delinquencies of his Government. 1 notice in your report of his speech tipon the motion tor the adoption of the report, he said that Mr. M'Nab. Mr. Mason Chambers, and others of those who were concerned in the purchase, wero "honourable men"—who said they wero not? No one doubts they are. Mr. M'Nab only acted inconsistently with 'past political declarations regarding the acquisition of the freehold in land. It must bo frankly admitted that ho and tho other purchasers only did that _which acute men of the world would do in advancing their own interest. The crux of the whole matter really is: Why did. the Government use the Ordcr-in-Council to assist them in that interest?

It is all very well for the Nativo Minister to say Ihat ho takes the responsibility. That will not absolvo theGovernment as a whole for their action iu tliq matter. The inquiry lias let light

into a questionable transaction, and has shown what might he done under tho iniquitous Order-in-Council wlien necessary for party or other purposes.—l am, otc., X KAYS.

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES' GRIEVANCES. THOSE INCREASES OF SALARIES. Sir,—lt may bo of interest to yon and many of your readers to hear tho generosity of tho present Government, with relation to increases in salaries which have been granted many of the Civil Servants upon tho Supplementary Estimates. It was stated that tho Classification Act would bo passed this year, but as previously stated for some years past it is as far off as ever. But what of that? The promise given by the Prime Minister was that as it could not pass this year, increases in salaries would bo provided for in tho Supplementary Estimates. So far, so good. But what is the outcome? A paltry increase of £b per annum to clerks who have been in tho service for fourteen years and who fulfil important and responsible duties, whereas in some Departments nothing is granted as an incrcaso under .£lO.

Sir, can you or your readers consider an increase of i's to responsible clerks anything but bordering upon insult, when those in higher positions receive =£25 to .£SO, and are dependent upon those who receivo £a. Any labouring man or maid servant would be better treated by their employers, or I might say a porter in an hotel; but the Liberal (?) Government has the audacity to increase tho salaries of their servants by -Co per annum. This amount granted as increase in salary docs not, in many cases, coyer the cost of working overtime, for which an allowance i 9 made if the officer is careful enough to note each occasion on which ho works at night, and for which tho munificent sum of 2s. is allowed.

I hope, sir, that during the next few weeks we will hear of many candidates supporting the appointment of a board to control tho Civil Service, and take it out of tho hands of those who give their friends favours; as I could name several cases where men in the service havo openly remarked, "That if I cannot get what I want from the head of tho Department, I will see the members or Alinisters." In conclusion, I would only ask vou to draw the attention of tho right thinking people of the Dominion—if they consider £b per annum is a _ reasonable increase to grant servants of the Civil Service after ten to twenty years' service. Though I am not one of those included in the increase of .£5, I desire to express my disgust for those who have been subjected to such scant treatment for services rendered.

Trusting you will give expression to the foregoing in your columns, and thanking you in anticipation,—l am, etc., SYMPATHETIC.

Sir—l would like to say a few words in regard to the increase of pay which tlio hard-working surfaceman is lo ro-coive--to the married men only. I think 'Mr. Millar said in his statement that he was going to look after tno low-paid men first. But instead of niltilling his promise, he has wandered right away from it altogether. Tho hijihiypaid men havo got the rise in wages, and the surfacemen arc not wanted. I will say tho surfacemen got an increase. But it is not worth mentioning. It's only a disgrace to let the outside public know how Mr. Millar opened his heart. I think they should make Mr. Millar and party a present of the 2Jd. It would pay their tram for a few weeks. Mr. Millar also mentioned that the railwayman had houses which wero equal to a day's pay. Yes, the highly-paid men may have railway houses to live in, but can ho point out where thero i 3 a. surfaceman living in a railway house in Wellington or any other town where rent is high? I don't think the present Government has much love for the working man. They call themselves a true Liberal, too. I think myself they aro the Opposition and the Liberal Government remains to be put in power, and I think the sooner tho better. I should think if there is not any more done for the surfacemen and porters, they should put their heads together to show their feelings at the ballot-box. That's tho only way to pay them back for their kindncss.-I am, etc., 2jd.