LOWER SALARIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1922, Page 5

LOWER SALARIES.

SECOND “CUT" DUE SOON. PROTEST FROM WELLINGTON. By Telegraph.— Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Objections by various branches of the public service to the second “cut” in the salaries of State employees, which the Minister for Finance proposes to effect as from July 1, were voiced at a meeting held in the Town Hall to-night. A number of members of Parliament were present. It was stated all the local members of Parliament had been circularised and. asked to assist the association in inducing the Minister to postpone the reduction. Mr. T- M. Wilford, on behalf of his party, outlined their position. He said he would oppose any “cut” in salaries of £320 or under.

Mr. R. A. Wright (M.P. for Wellington suburbs) sent a communication stating he had interviewed the Prime Minister in reference to the “cut” and had asked that it should be avoided. Messrs. Mitchell, Fraser, Luke and Dr. Newman all stated, they were opposed to the “cut.”

Speeches were made by Messrs. Sullivan (on behalf of the A.S.R.SJ, Combs (P- and T.), Miller (Public Service Association), and Robertson (Railway Officers’ Institute) pointing out the injustice of the contemplated action. A resolution was passed endorsing the action of the various executive committees and urging them to continue to press their case against a further reduction in the salaries of public servants, knowihg that such a reduction will bring the inmates of thousands of homes below the bread and butter line. It was affirmed the duties and responsibilities of public servants had been increased and the cost of living had not fallen, vide the Arbitration Court decision. The meeting concluded by singing the National Anthem.