FIGHTING FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 July 1942, Page 4

FIGHTING FORCES

QUESTION OF INCREASED PAY PREMIER ASKS FOR “SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY.” DANGER OF STARTING SPIRAL. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “I hope members will have a sense of responsibility in these matters and study the rates of pay,” declared the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, after two Opposition members had given notice of questions dealing with the remuneration of members of the armed forces. There was a danger, said Mr Fraser, of starting the spiral of risingwages and prices. Notice was given'by Mr Gordon (Opposition, Rangitikei) of his intention to ask the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones,if he would explain why the Air Force defence units, namely A.C.2’s, received only 5s 4d a day, while the Territoial private received 7s a day. He also asked if a second uniform could be issued to these men. . Mr Roy (Opposition, Clutha) gave notice that he intended to ask the Prime Minister whether he would under the new War Administration take steps to have a complete review of the pay of men in the armed forces. It was felt, said Mr Roy in a note to his question, that the pay given to men who were asked to risk their lives as well as to make many other sacrifices, did not compare favourably with that of many in civilian occupations. Immediately after Mr Roy had put his question, the Prime Minister rose and made the statement, quoted above. However, the questions would be considered by the War Administration. “The pay of our soldiers is higher than any other on earth, and therefore does compare with wages outside in many instances,” said Mr Fraser. “We have to avoid arousing unnecessary and unwarranted agitation among our own men.” Mr Roy: “Quite a lot of people are not satisfied all the same.” The Prime Minister: “All right, then.”