NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, 13 September 1918, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

OBITUARY. HENRY OKEY, M.P. t NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. Henry Okey, M.P., for Taranaki, died at 7 o’clock this morning, after a brief illness; aged 61 years, (The late Mr Okey was one of the most respected settlers in Taranki in which province he had lived for very many years. He followed the occupation of a farmer at Bill Block, about three miles from New Plymouth, and was noted for the keen interest he took in agricultural matters. He entered political life,--about-12 years ago, filling the seat for New Plymouth previously held by Mr E. M. Smith. Hb was not a brilliant politician; being “too honest to pursue the expedient,” but he was respected by all shades of political., opinion in Taranaki for- his sterling uprightness of character and probity. His death removes one of the few remaining pioneers in Taranaki.) COST OF LIVING. RAILWAY OFFICERS’ REQUESTS INCREASED SALARIES TQ BE x DEMANDED. WELLINGTON, September 11 The local committee of the Railway Officers’ Institute at its last meeting seriously considered the problems surrounding the increasing cost of living. The figures produced by the Government'Statistician showing that the value of tin- sovereign had decreased by 7s were before the meeting. This estimate, it was stated did not make allowances for the liner east in ’the cost of domesitc necessities otherMhan the three food groups.

It was pointed out-that, consequently fixed salaries had lost fully half their value, and, even on the Governments figures, a salary of . normally : '£4 per week was reduced in purchasing power ot £2 12s. From daily ' practical knowledge it was stated that it was impossible on the present salaries to make ends meet. Facts were also quoted of the discontent existing throughout the service owing to the hardships suffered through the huge j decrease in salary values and the j position was regarded as so acute that | the meeting' unanimously decided to j ask for urgent relief in the shape of all-round increase in wages of 20 per I cent. Steps are to be taken to bring the position before the authorities wihout delay. ' 4Srds. REVIEWED. j TRAMWAY TROUBLES. j WELLINGTON, this day. I The Defence Minister received ad- | vice that the forty-first roinforceI ments have reached another port of can, all well. The Governor-General yesterday ini spected the 43rd reinforcements at j Trentham. The draft has completed I their training in New Zealand, and is I described as thoroughly good, the physical standard high, and the exercises were carried out in a manner indicating earnest attention to training. The Transport Workers Advisory Board yesterday considered the position arising out of the Wellington Tramways Union’s refusal of the City Council’s offer of a five per cent, increase in wages. The result of the proceedings has not been disclosed, but shift meetings ot tramway men will bo held to-day to receive the report. MILITARY SERVICE. THE QUESTION OF COMMISSIONS.’ WELLINGTON, this day,. Owing to the extreme need of every available fighting man at,-the front, the practice of sending non-commis-sioned officers from the-front to New Zealand for promotion here was discontinued some time ago. The posi-

tion now is somewhat changed, and it is intended that the practice of sending men back shall soon be resumed. This means there will be fewer commissions for territorial officers entering camp, and practically no possibility of a reversion to the old order of things, by which men' entering camp as recruits and passing through the JST.C.O. class had a chance for commissions.