Railway men’s Ray.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1922, Page 4

Railway men’s Ray.

'( RIME MINISTER REPLIES TO

CRITICISM

WELLINGTON, Feb. 27. The Prime Minister interviewed tonight said: — “ The secretary of the A.S.R.S. talks about the railwayman having had their salaries reduced. That is not accurate. By the Bill of last session, the cost of liiing bonus was withdrawn to the extent of £45 only, whereas the bonuses granted and payable up to December 31st lust aggregated £95 to £lls per annum. The withdrawal of the £45 is being spread over twelve months. The difference between £45 and the aggregate bonus granted, which amounts to at least £SO pc r annum, is still retained by the staff. Anyone who has thought about the enormous increase in our expenditure, and the very serious drop in one income, will understand and appreciate the principal reason and absolute necessity for the legislation referred to. “ As for the other statement about some of the higher salaried officers in the Bailway Department having had increases, that statement is correct, though presented in a misleading way. The increases referred to are provided for y Act of Parliament, and the same principle applies right throughout the service—to the rank and file as well as fo the higher officers. It has to be remembered, too, that the more highly paid officers received nothing by way of bonus to meet the increased cost of living, though they have been called upon by the Act of last session to put up with a permanent reduction of from 7 per cent to 10 per cent in their salaries. They have also paid income tax right through the war period.” The Prime Minister added that he desired to take the opportunity of expressing the appreciation of the Government at the manner in which tho members of the Public Service generally had accepted tho position which had been forced upon the Government in order to meet the financial stringency which the whole country .was ex- V periencing. 1