FOXTON’S SANITATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1219, 12 March 1914, Page 2

FOXTON’S SANITATION.

APPLICATION FOR INCREASE OF WAGES.

At last night's Council meeting, a letter was read from Mr T. W. Mitchell, asking that his wages be increased from 4.5 IOS t 0 £6 per week, pointing out that siuce he had taken over the work there had been an increase of 30 pans.

Cr Speirs moved, seconded by Cr Henderson, that the letter from Mr Mitchell be allowed to lay on the table, the mover stating that he considered the man was well paid at present, and he didn’t think the Council should increase the amount.

Cr Barber said the man was having a preity hard struggle with the work, and if there were thirty more places now than when he cook on the position, then be was entitled to the increase. He certainly did not think he was too well paid. Oi course, the question of whether there was likely to be a decrease in the number of pans in the future also had to be taken into consideration. Cr Henderson said that his reason lor seconding the motion was to get information as to whether the increase asked for was justified. The Mayor suggested asking Mitchell to attend the next Council meeting, as they could then get full information from him.

Cr Coley didn’t see why the man’s wages should be increased. Although there had been an increase in the number of houses, some were now empty. If they were all occupied he would be agreeable to granting the request. Cr Chrystall moved, as an amendment, seconded by Cr Barber, that Mr Mitchell’s request for increased salary be granted. Cr Whibley said he would support the motion. If the work was going to decrease instead of increase, then ros was sufficient. If the job was a two-man job, then the Council should employ two men, and not pay one man, say, and allow him to employ a man occasionally at ros per night, as had been done in the past.

Cr Chrystall considered the man was fully entitled to the increase if there were thirty additional places. The amendment, on being put, was lost. The Mayor then moved a further amendment, that, with a view of increasing the salary if found that the request is reasonable, Mr Mitchell be asked to attend the next Council meeting and explain the position. The amendment was seconded by Cr Barber and carried.