The Second Cut.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1922, Page 1

The Second Cut.

CIVIL SERVANTS SEE AIR MASSEY

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

WELLINGTON, June 20,

Representatives of tlie A.S.R.S., tbe Post and Telegraph Association, the Public Sendee Association, and Railway Officers’ Institute, met the Prime Minister to-day regarding the second salary cut. The meeting was not open to the Press, but Air Alassey stated subsequently that the different aspects were discussed in a frank and friendly spirit, lie had been unable to give the deputation a definite answer, as ho had not yet received from the President of tlie Arbitration Court a computation of the variation in the cost of living. The annual conference of tlie Public Service Association oponeii to-day The President, Mr AV. AV. Wright stated that the Association should insist to the utmost any attempt to revert to political control. The Public Service under the Commissioner’s Control had greatly enhanced and any reversion to tlie old order would ho a re- i irogade step. WELLINGTON, -Tune 20. j

A deputation to the Pi une Minister to-day was tlie subject of a report made to the Animal Conference of the Public Service Association by the President \lr W- W. Wright later in the day. Air Wright said that it was argued by the deputation that any wage reduction should he ill ado uniform with the cost- of living. The recommendation By the judge of the Arbitration Court should he adhered to.

q'he president of the A.S.R.S. explained that the deputation did not attend in a spirit of hostility, but desired a friendly discussion. That was the spirit of the deputation throughout. The Prime Minister, according to Air Wright, pointed out that the financial condition of the country was in a had way. It was essentia] for him to find more money or reduce the cost of Government'. He did not favour retrenchment. He did not want to reduce the staffs. However, the revenue had fallen off so much that he must find some method to make ends meet. Re promised to consult with the Judge of the Arbitration Court, and the Government. Statistician, a nd ho did not know whether it would bo necessary to make a full reduction.

Air Wright said he did not know whether that remark applied merely to the second cut. Air Alassey gave the deputation to understand that a large proportion of the accumulated surpluses had already boon disposed of. Air AV right asserted that, until any surplus had disappeared altogether, there should be no second cut in salaries.