THE WAGES “CUT”.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 January 1922, Page 7

THE WAGES “CUT”.

WORKSHOP MEN ANGRY.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Wanganui, Jan. 27. The railway employees at Eastown workshops were in angry mood to-day when they held a meeting during the luncheon adjournment to discuss /the proposed retrenchment. The whistle sounded at 12.36 but the men took not the slightest notice and remained another 15 minutes until the business under review had been completed. Delegates were appointed to a mass meeting of Civil Servants to-morrow evening. A resolution was carried that the meeting supports the executive council in any action it may deem neces&ary to retain the present rate of wages.

PROTEST AT HAWERA. Hawera, Jan. 24. A large meeting of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants resolved unanimously: “That the Hawera branch of the association, from Waitotara to Eltham, strongly oppose any reduction in wages. We feel it a great injustice as our wages were not increased until three years after that granted to outside labor, and we agree ’to stand by the executive in any action they consider necessary.”

MR. MASSEY’S INTENTIONS.

Wellington, Jan. 24.

The Premier, questioned regarding the retrenchment modifications, stated that he was prepared to meet cases of juniors who received only a £2O bonus, as it would be unfair to take £l5 from them in the first cut. He also intended recognising speciEß claims of those who as a result of retrenchment previously effected are in positions below those they would normally have filled.

Apart from these rases Mr. Massey indicated that he cannot make concessions. “The plain fact is that I must have the money,” he concluded. t