PUBLIC SERVICE WAGES

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 33, 2 November 1937, Page 3

PUBLIC SERVICE WAGES

-Press AssociatinD »

Urgent Attention of Cabinet GRADING AND CONDITIONS

(By Telesrraph-

WELLINGTON, Last Night. An assurance that wages and conditions in all State serviees, including the military forces, were receiving the ur_ gent attention of the Government was given to-day by the Rt. Hcn. M. J. Savage. Gommenting on the published statement that the wages of gunners in the permiaiient military forces would be increased, Mr. Savage empkasised that no one section of those serving the State would be given preference over ariy other section. If increases in pay were made, they would be retrospective l'rom -April 1, 1937. " We are making all progress possible to deal with the reclhssification of the Public Service," said Mr. Savage. "Wages and eveiything else will receive consideration, but it should be realised thiat the Government cannot do the impossible." Tfiere was no understanding hetween the Government and the gunners that their wages and . conditions would be considered, 'Mr Savage said. The gunners had n(ft been asked to withdraw fcheir resignations. "We are anxious to ileal fairly with them," he said, "but tre want a .chance +o do it. When they put in their resignations and ten say ;hey have withdrawn them on certain sonditions, they are saying something that is not a fact." Mr Savage concluded by saying that ihe whole matter would receive conuderation as soon as possible, and if increases in pay were to be made theyi ivould be retrospective to April 1,