COST OF LIVING BONUS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 49, 6 May 1942, Page 4

COST OF LIVING BONUS

Sir,—l am surprised that the Whakatane County Council decided unanimously to protest to the Govcrnmecnt against this increase not having been made general. The increase is general. All workers are getting an increase, those up to £5 per week get 5 per cent increase, and those over £5 per week receive 5/- increase only. What is wrong with that? Does the council' desire that a man on £20 per week should receive any more than a per week for his cost of living? fz**Cr McCready's usual little outburst is rather amusing. Evidently he is not aware that the Arbitration Court, which granted the cost, of living bonus has no jurisdiction over the pay to soldiers and their dependants. More recent events slic<w that the Government lias not forgotten all about them. "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Recently Mr Editor you published an interesting proposal' from the Pukekolie Borough Council for equality of sacrifice for the duration of the war. Probably no one would agree with all that was in the proposals. Surely however our local bodies, Borough as well' as County, could' in their wisdom have made some attempt at making them practical. Evidently we property holders are quite content that the "propertyless" should stake his life to protect the 'property of those of us who stay at home. I hope the soldiers on their return will demand a fair share of what they are fighting for. Are thvy not entitled to it? Congratulations M,r Editor on your leader in Friday's issue. Our lccal leaders (?) are not the only people with "Feet of Clay," but we do expect (Something more from them. Leadership with Feet of Clay will never advance this district. Even the irrepressible Cr McCready has _ no remedy except to blame the police, the taxi drivers, the. hotelkeeper or the rest of the council, always the other fellow. The truth is the public generally are not anxious to do anything. Ycurs etc., RANK .AND FILE-