BOROUGH SALARY CUTS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 587, 19 July 1933, Page 5

BOROUGH SALARY CUTS

SPECIAL MEETING HELD SMALL REDUCTIONS MADE SEYERAL TESTS OF STRENGTH . BETWEEN OPPOSING CAMPS BANDMASTER'S SALARY UNDER FIRE After a pr-olonged sittinjgi lasting until 11 p.an. tke Rotorua Borough Gouncil at a special meeting k'eld* last nigkt to consider salary and wage reductions, made & per cent. cuts in tke salari'es of the town clerk and borough engiineer anid a reduction of £22 per artnum in the payment to the bandkiaster. Other minor adjustments were made hut these were the only reductions of any extent upon which the counci^ could agree. Onee again two clearly defined schools of thought were apparent and there were several issues upon whieh there were tests of strength. After a lengthy discussion and the defeat of a motion to redUce the bandmaster's -salary to £100j per annum, the chairman of the hahd committee (Cr. E. T. Johnson) stated that he proposed to resign his position as chairman of the committee. Cr. Johnson had previously stated that he did not consider the» borough was getting value for the amount it was spending upon its hand.

The council found that it could not reduce the salaries of its labouring staff who are under an award and decided not to_reduce the salaries of the majority of its permanent officials. At the conclusion of the meeting, the town clerk (Mr. W. A. McLean) requested to be relieved of a proportion of the committee work which he said he did not consider he should be asked to undertake in view of the reduction that had been made. There were present at the meeting the mayor (Mr. T. Jackson), Crs. E, T. Johnson, O. H. Coleman, F. Goods.on, G. Steele, G. French, L. Woolliams and W. H. Wackrow. Apologies for absence were received from Crs. J. Banlcs and L. J. Bayfeild who are both absent from Rotorua. The mayor prefaced the discussion by retracing the steps which had necc^ssitated the meeting, and recalled the failure of the special sub-com-mittee which had previously considered the matter, to reach a basis of agreement." The real differe-nce of opihion in the committee had arisen in regard to the principle which was to be applied in making any salary reductions. Cr. Coleman and himself had contended that each case

should be considered on its merits and salary paid in proportion to the services rendered. Crs. Goodson and Johnson, however, who were the other members of the committee had drawn up a schedule of reductions on a sliding scale which they had submitted as a suggestion. Cr. Coleman and himself, however, had considered this schedule too drastic and as it had been impossible to reconcile the two viewpoints, it had been decided to refer the whole question to the council. To open the matter for discussion, the mayor then moved that in order to ascertain what economies can be effected in the council's administration, the council investigate the individual duties of its officers and staff and consider the. remuneration being paid for such services with a view to determining wkat economies, if any, can be effected. Cr. Johnson immediately rose to m ove an aniendment to the effect that salary reductions be carried out on a . pereentage basis with the exception of one or two isolated instances. An Amendment

Speaking to the amendment, Cr. Johnson said tliat Cr. Goodson and himself with the other memhers of the committee, were agreed that the council had a very good staff and that all its employees were. filling their jiositions well. However, Cr. Goodson and himself considered it a matter of necessity that overhead shonld be reduced in order that assistance could be given to the unemployed and possibly the rates reduced. That being so, they took the view that a pereentage reduction was the fairest means of carrying out the cut. They suggested that tlie higher paid members of the staff should be reduced to a greater extent than the lower paid employees. Cr. Steele: Is there so niuch difference between the motion and the amendment, sir? The mayor pointed out that if each case was considered ori its meritSj it might be found necessary to make. a larger or smaller cut than would be the case under a hard and fast pereentage. Cr. Coleman said that Cr. Johnson had specified certain exceptions. If any number of exceptions could be made, it might be extended indefinitely atid exceptions extended to a large number of employees. Cr. Woolliams said he considered it fairer to consider each case on its merits. He intended to vote for the nF.i nn -

Cr. 'Goodson said he was prepared to second the amendment if Cr. Johnson would include in his exceptions, the time-keeper whose salary was also subsidised. Cr. Johnson agreed to this. suggestion and the aniendment was accordingly moved as follows: — That the salaries of the three high'est paid council officials ibe reduced 10 per cent. That the wages of all otkers ke reduced 5 per cent. That the bandmaster's salary be reduced to £100 per annum. That the traffic inspector's salary, the time-keeper's salary and the offiee cadet's salary be not reduced. That in two instances wages be increased from £3 19s 9d to- £4 7s 6d per week, subject to tke 5 per cent. cut. Cr. Goodson explained, in regard tb the last ex;ception, that tbe-se two men would ke called upon to act as. foremen and undertake additional duties as a resuit of the extra duties placed up.on tke engineer. Cr. French said that the qiiestion appteared to become more iiivolved as eaeh speaker proeeeded. He thoflght that th'e method suggested by the mayor was niuek the more workahle proposal. Cr. Wackrow agreed. ^ The clerk pointed out that in thfe case of labonrers paid ky the hour, tke men were drawing1 the mmimum wages payakle nnder the Local Body Labourers' Award and therefore could not ke reduced" further.

Cr. Goodson asked if the mayor could inform him under what date the authority existed specifying 'an award. ... The mayor1 said that on July 15 the award was still in force. It was then moved that the aniendment he put. On ifheing put to the mleeting it was iost On the voices. The motion was then put and carried, also on the voices. Individtial Cases Before prdceeding to a detailed examination of individual cases the mayor said that he had examined ihe administrative costs and he was satisfied that Rotorua's figuiles compafed more than favouralbly with those of other centres. Personally he considered that if the council made only reductions which were justified, aiid the amount so saved were applied towdrd a reduction in rates, the relief to; the ratepayers would be very small. On the other hand, if the council made reductions sufficient to enahlfe a rate reduction which would alford real relief, it would undoubtedly seriously injure the efiiciency of the council's staff. He thoped that councillors would remember the loyal s'ervice which the council's staff had given and not inflict unnecessary hardships.

The mayor then proeeeded to quote figures showing the adniinistrativ-e costs of other boroughs which were more or less on a parity with Rotorua. Following is the table showing the number on the administrative staff and the total salaries and wages paid: Borough Staff Wages Whangarei H £3869 Taumarunui 8 £1519 Waihi 9 £2039 Tauranga 7 £2331 Dannevirke 8 £2092 Masterton 15 £4736 Blenheim 10 £2745 Westport 12 £2862 Greymouth H £2795 Lyttelton 0 £2627 Rotorua H £2536 The mayor contended that these figures showed that Rotorua conipared very favourably with other1 boroughs in regard to its administrative costs. Not In Committee At this stage Cr. Steele asked whether the council should go into committee. It would give a greater latitude in debate. Cr. Johnson: I don't see why we should, sir. We have nothing to hide. We don't like doing the-se things hut we have to do it. No motion was forthcoming. The meeting then proeeeded to consider the salary of the town clerk. The mayor said that the clerk was drawing £405 per annum. His salary had been rjeduced from £450 per ahnuni. _ • Before proceeding further, Cr. Steele moved that the clerk withdraw while the matter was discussed and this motion was carried. The mayor then read the clerk's schedule of duties and said that he had made some enquiries as to salaries paid in other centres. Th'e salary of the town clerk of Cambridge was £350 per annum - with free gas, 'coal and lighting and plus £50 a year paid as secretary of the Fire Board. \ The clerk at Whangarei was receivmg £491 per annum and had been cut 15 per eent. The clerk at Tauranga was receiving £360 per annum-. Cr. Johnson moved that the clerk's salary he reduced by 10 per cent. This was seconded by Cr. Steele, bofh councillors paying a tribute to th'e work of the clerk and expressing the opinion that his hours might he relieved to some extent. 1 Cr. Coleman moved as an amend- ( ment that the reduction be 5 per cent. tt a -nninfprl nnt. that clerk was being

asked to undertake the extra duty of organising the carnival and that he was entitled to consideration in this respect. It had been argued that the economies would enable a reduction in rates but he would like to point out what had already been done in that direction. A& a result of the W-orks Committee curtailing its vote and with various economies made by the economy suh-cpmmittee a total saving of £1307 had already been made. Against this was a prospeetive deficit of over £400 and an increase in the vote to th'e Publicity and Amusement Committee. Nevertheless, taking these matters into consideration there would still be a sufficient balance to make a rebate of 7i per cent. m the rates providing that wages reductions were made at an all-roud pereentage of 5 per cent. This would also allow a grant of '£100 for the relief of unemployment. " Cr. Wackrow seconded the amendment and said that he did not think any reduction at all should be made. Opposed to Both The mayor said he was opposed to both motion and amendment. He did not think any reduction should he made at all. The work of the borough had increased considerabiy diiririg fecent years and he thought that ipe salary was. only commensurate with, the duties which the clerk had to per- . forhi. . - 1 j The amendment was then put and (Continued on Page Six)

BOROUGH SALARIES (Continued From Page 5)

declared carried, 0n a show of h'ands, by 4 to 3. The mayor did not exercise a vote and when challenged said that he preferred not to vote for either proposal but tliat if he had.- to vote he would vote for the amendment. He ruled the amendment earried'and then exercised his right to move again by moving a further amendment that the clerk's salary be not reduced. This was seconded by Cr. Wackrow 'but he was ruled out of order as he had seconded the previous amendment. The amendment lapsed without a seconder. ■Cr. Johnson said that if the clerk was not to be reduced he would not support any other reductions; it would not be fair to do so. The mayor: Hear, hear! JOther Salaries The engineer's salary was then considered. The mayor said that the engineer was being paid £405 per annum. It was decided to be consistent, that a reduction of 5 per cent. be made. The salary of the assistant town clerk (£281 per annum) was not reduced, councillors expressing opinion that the assistant was not overpaid considering his duties. The same attitude was taken toward the traffic inspector whose salai'y of £271 14s (council!s contribution) was not touched. No reduction was made in the wage of the poundkeeper (£264 6s 8d per annum). It was pointed out that the poundkeeper had many extra duties including that of acting as custodian at the motor camp and as dog tax collector. Drainage Engineer Cr. Coleman said that h'e did not think the drainage engineer's salary of £3-74 8s should be considered. His engagement was almost terminated and it was scarcely worth while. In reply to a question, Cr. Coleman said the drainage engineer's engagement would automatically termmate in six or eight weeks' time. It was agreed that no reduction be made. Bandmaster's Salary "I consider that the remuneration is altogether excessive for what we get for it," said Cr. Goodson in moving that the bandmaster's salary of £247 per annum be reduced to £100 a year. He had it on good authority that the salary paid to the bandmaster of the Wellington A grade municipal band was only £100 per annum. Cr. Johnson said that he did not think the borough was getting value for the £450 per annum which the band was costing the borough. This included the bandmaster's salary, £100 capitation to the men; interest, etc. He agreed that they could not ask the bandmaster to live on £100 a year, but the usual thing was for the bandmaster to have other work as well. The idea in increasing the bandmaster's salary had been that he should act as musical director as well, but this had not proved sat.sfactory. Cr. French thought the reduction proposed too drastic. The bandmaster had done very good work and they did not wish to lose his services. He moved that the salary paid be £150 per . annum. This was seconded by Cr. Woolliams. Cr. Coleman: Either we want a good band or we don't. Value of Band Continuing Cr. Coleman said that Cr. Johnson' s attitude was beyond his comprehension. A new set of instruments had bee.n bought, new uniforms, a boys' band had been formed and brought up to a high grade of efficiency while the senior band had also done exceptionally well. This high standard of efficiency was solely due to the efforts of the bandmaster. Splendid work was being done in training young bandsmen and if the bandmaster was removed, this training would be seriously affectcd. Furthermore Rotorua had just be :-n allocated the South Auckland band contest and the band's progress wo. Jd be very greatly impaired if tlnir bandmaster had to go. Rotorua \ as very f ortunate to have such an c fficer and he considered that if \h t bandmaster went, it would be ie deathknell of the band. Tho amendment, on being put to the meeting was lost in the voi is, whereupon the mayor moved '■ iat •he salary be fixed at £225. His v orship said that after bringing -he band into existence, he thought it would be a disastrous action to >se the present conductor. He ag- -ed that both the boys' band and ihe municipal band would be in dange • oi extinction if the bandmaster hac" to leave. A great deal of money 1 ad been spent in improving the bar.ls, and he did not think it was wo "ti; while for the sake of saving :. 147 to jeopardiso what had already l een invested. Cr. Waclcrow second d tne mayor's amendment. Cr. Goodson said that while he agreed that the bandmaster was a very capable man he thought that economies must be made. If thc amendment was carried, any 'urther attempt at economy would be an absolute farce. The amendment was then - :t and on a show of hands the vot : g was four all. The mayor gave his -asting vote in favour of the. amr ldment which was carried. Crs. W°ckrow, French, Coleman and the ma. or vot ed" for the amendment an 1 Cr." Goodson, Johnson, Woolliams mu Steele against. Cr. Johnson: I desire to ten.l'u niy resignation as chairman of ihe band committee, sir. •The mayor: You cannot do thal How, Cr. Johnson. You must tendei it'in writing. Cr. Johnson: Very well, sir. It was decided to make no' alteration in the salaries paid the cadet (£78 per anuurn) . librarian (£15G per annum) and typist (£3 weekly). Borough Foreman There was a division on the question of the borough foreman. It was moved by Cr. Goodson that the weekly, wage of £5 2s 6d paid to the borough foreman should not be reduced. This was seconded by Cr. Jonnson. Tho mayor then moved an amendment that the position be dispensed with. He did not think a borougl such as Rotorua could alford a foreman, and a working foreman in addition to its engineer. He thought

the engineer could do the foreman's duties. Cr. Goodson said that with tha large amounts of relief work going on, a foreman was necessary. The engineer wras overloaded already. It appeared that the administrative staff was not to be touched so that the works staff must suffer. Cr. Coleman: The administrative staff has been cut. Cr. Goodson: Only two of them. The mayor said that if the chairman of the works committee (Cr. Goodson) considered that the foreman was necessary, he felt he must have good grounds for his contention. He would amend his motion to read that the foreman only be dispensed with if it was found possible for the engineer to undertake the work. The Works Committee could finalise the ' matter. Cr. "Goodson 'contended that this was not an amendment and the mayor finally agreed to withdraw the amendment and bring the matter up in the Works Committee. No alterations were made in the wages paid the mechanic and other employees on works outside. the Labourers' Award. Notice of motion was given to place both horse drivers employed on a wage of £4 7s 3d a week. At the present time, one. man is drawing £4 13s. The mayor pointed out that there was a discrepancy of 16s a week between the wages of the caretakers at Ohinemutu and Whaka. It was decided to leave the matter to the Works Committee with power to act. This concluded the list but before the council rose the town clerk asked permission to bring .one or two points under the notice of councillors. He pointed out that since the engineer and himself were the only two officers of the administrative staff who had been reduced, he considered it fair that he be relieved of some of the duties which were at present falling upon him. He suggested that arrangements be made to relieve him from attendance at a proportion of the committee meetings or alternatively that he be not asked to undertake the work connected with the Publicity and Amusement Committee. This last entailed a great deal of work and in his opinion was a greater burden than the handling of light and water departments, etc., would be. The present council had been in office 10 weeks and in that time it had held 35 meetings and committee meetings extending over a period of 80 hours. He had had to put in all this time and at the same time attend to the ordinary work of the office for which he had to accept full responsibility. The council had nine commit- j tees, the majority of which held in- j dependent meetings, all entailing extra work. He suggested that arrangements be made to relieve h;m of portion of this committee work or alternatively of the Publicity and Amusement Committee work. The request was referred to the Finance Committee and the meeting closed.