THE RAILWAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1920, Page 5

THE RAILWAYS.

JUSTICE STRINGER'S REPORT. 'MORE PAY RECOMMENDED. i BONUS TO SINGLE MEN. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Mr. Justice Stringer's report on the railway service was published to-day. The Judge recommends a bonus o£ a shilling a day to married men, widowers with children, and single men with dependents in the second division, and in grades two to seven, inclusive, of the first division. He considers that the increase upon the amended schedule of last year is justified on account of the increased cost of living.

He estimates that the rise in the cost of living since the schedule was fixed justifies an increase of 3s 3d a week on the basis of a wage of £3 12s a week, but lie is satisfied that the increases iu the schedule did not wholly compensata the service for the increase in the cost of living during the war period before the schedule was drawn up. [ Therefore he recommends the increase iof six shillings a week, but as he considers single men are not affected to the same extent by the cost of living, he suggests tJhe bonus be not paid to single men.

The Prime Minister made tie following statement in reference to tho report:— "In subsequent consultation with Mr. Justice Stringer, it ha» been agreed that to single men In the first division a payment of £7 10s a year will be made, and to single mem in the second division a payment of sixpence a day, both payments to be by way of a bonus, and commencing from January Ist this year."