PAY OF DEFENCE FORCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 November 1919, Page 4

PAY OF DEFENCE FORCE.

BETTER CONDITIONS WANTED. MINISTER NOT SYMPATHETIC. (By Wire.—Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Last Night. Tlie pay of officers and inen of the .Defence Permanent Forces was mentioned in the House to-day by Mr. Wjlford. Mr. Wilford said that men had been invited to apply for the employment at a rate of 9s a day—a flat rate—with certain provision for clothing, medical attendance, and rations. He claimed that they had been given to understand that the term of employment was to be for two years, but a general order had been issued providing for an alteration of the scale as from April 1 of this year. The men were given an increase in pay, but, owing to loss of rations, the nett result of the amended scale, Mr. Wilford said, was a loss of a shilling a uay. Sir James Allen replied: Most careful consideration has been given to the pay of officers and men of the Defence Forces. In comparison with other servants of the State, the officers, noncommissioned officers, and men of the Defence Department are well paid, and if they do not consider that they are well paid and justly paid they have their remedy and they should take it. An hon. member: What ia their remedy?

Sir James Allen: Their remedy ia to resign and to find some other work. I am sorry that officers of the Department who have been, in my opinion, well considered should create any disturbance