NO EARLY INCREASE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 190, 25 May 1934, Page 2

NO EARLY INCREASE

CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. (Special to the " Guardian.") DUNEDIN, May 24. In spite of his recent forecast, which he repeated to-night, that the budget deficit would probably not amount to more than £700,000, the Minister for Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) does not appear to entertain hope of an early restoration of the Civil Service salary cuts. Asked whether he considered that the financial position of the country justified the expectation of an increase in the salaries of public servants, Mr Coates said he saw no immediate prospect of the restoration of any portion of the cuts.' Until a few months had passed, and he was able to see what the state of the country's finances was likely to be lie-would not be able to make any recommendation to the Cabinet on the subject. In reply to a further inquiry, the Minister said he did not know that the question had been raised as to the necessity oi legislation before the Arbitration Court could issue a general order restoring the 10 per cent, cut in wages. In the circumstances he had no comment to make.