WAGE REDUCTIONS DEFEATED.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20610, 28 July 1932, Page 8

WAGE REDUCTIONS DEFEATED.

THE ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. FINANCE COMMITTEE resigns. A NOTICE TO RESCIND. The recommendation of tho Finaneo Committee of the council oi! tho North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, that tho salaries of tho two rangers and the secretary should be reduced by 15 per cent, in order to assist tho finances, was thrown out at a special meeting of the council last night, in favour of a decision to defer action for six months, after which the position will bo reviewed. As a result the Finance Committee resigned, but notice of motion that tho decision of the meeting should be rescinded was given. Tho recommendation was contained in a report by tho committee to last wook's mooting of the council. Tho chairman (Mr L. A. Shand) asked whether tho meeting desired to discuss the position in open meeting or in committee.

Mr P. J. Molloy said that he was of the opinion that it should bo open to the newspapers. Mr R. Ashwortli disagreed, stating that the public knew enough about the affairs of the society already, and it received quite enough kicks. Mr <i. T. Robertson expressed a similar opinion, stating that if the discussion was taken in committee it would allow freer speech. Mr C. 11. Lawrence (chairman of the Finance Committee): This is an important matter, and I think it should be taken in open council. We must be frank; wo have nothing to hide. If tho resolution to reduce the salaries is carried, wo will be sorry, but we will have to let the members know the reason for it. I know we might not be ablo to express ourselves as freely as we would wish, but it is duo to tho members of tho society to acquaint them with what is being done. Mr F. Stcans said that it was due to the members, who were looking for it, to see a report of tho whole discussion. Tho chairman: The society's duty is to discuss tho whole tiling and to arrive at a decision beneficial to tho society and the council. Members agree that tho staff has been working at "full bore," but expenditure must be curbed. It was decided to discuss the matter in open meeting. A motion that tho Financo Committee's report should be adopted \was bofore tho meeting, and Mr C. J. Holsoy moved that tho wages should remain as at present for s>x months, and that tho Finance Committee should bring down a report at the end of that period. Mr Ashwortli seconded tho amendment. They should cut down some of the honorary rangors, ho said, adding that somo of them were useless.

Conference with Rangers. Mr C. J. Holscy reported, for the Kiuigors' Committee, that a conference had been hold with the two rangers. It was convened principally for tho purpose of discussing fully and impressing on tho rangers and tho staff generally tho absolute necessity of economising in connexion with the motor-car, running expenses, and in other directions. It was finally resolved that tho Car Committee, recently appointed, should keep in closer touch with tho Rangers' Committee regarding tho mileage dona by tho rangers' cars and tho carrying out of their duties. The members of the staff present had assured tho committee of their desire to oconomiso. Mr C. F. Champion, a member of the Finance Committee, said that tlio cut in salaries could go into the suspense account, and if things improved it could bo handed back to tho staff. Ho did not see, ho said, that holding tho mattor up for six months would holp things. Necessity for Economies. Mr Robertson said that no one needed to be a wizard of finance to see that economies wcro necessary. The members should pay some respect to the Financo Committee's report. The com. mittee had gone into tho matter very fully. However, he opposed cutting down the secretary's salary, as he provided a room for tho meetings. Mr C. R. Russell said that ho 'would sooner see tho salaries put into the suspense account in the meantime than that tho society should find itself facing the necessity for drastic oconomiea at tho end of that period." Mr T. Bain, .said that he was not in favour of the motion that thq Finance Committoe's report should be adopted, nor did he favour tho amendment. Tho period of six months was too long and the suggested cut of 15 per cent, was too drastic. Tho cutting of salaries meant losing tho wholehearted support of the staff. "I liavo seen a man have his wages cut 3d and, unconsciously, lose a good deal of his 'punch'," he said. The speaker moved that tho salaries should bo cut by 5 per cent, and the position reviewed in three months' time. The fishing license money would then be coming in and the society would know Avhero it stood, ho added. Mr K. Owen seconded the motion. Deficit of £3OO. Mr Steans said that a 5 per cent, cut would be of littlo use as they were facing a deficit of £3OO. Mr Lawrence said that the question of a cut was very seriously considered by the Financo Committee last year. Ho was opposed to the general principle of cuts, if the budget could be balancod, but in the present case he considered that it was necessary. The fairest way was to make a general cut. Mr Holsey said that if his suggestion was carried out it would mean a saving of £7O in six months. Mr A. A. Boon said that while they had discussed decreasing wages they had not thought of increasing sales. Mr Bain withdrew his motion. On a vote being taken the motion to reduce the salaries was lost by 10 votes to five, and the amendment to defer action i'or six months was carried.

Resignations Offered. Mr Lawrence; While I regret the action, I must ask you to accept my resignation as chairman of the Finance Committee. Mr I must also ask you to accept my resignation from the Finance Committee. Wo aro convinced that these reductions must take place, and when you elect a new committee we will do all we can to assistMr Champion: I must also, with regret, hand in nay resignation from the committee. I do not see how we can make up the financial deficiency with which we are faced. The chairman: This is very awkward and very regrettable. However, I cannot blame you, for I would do the same if I wore in your position. Mr Robertson then gave notico of niotion to tho next meeting that tho decision should bo rescinded. Mr Lawrenee: Wo were conservative in our estimates. If you think those estimates were not sound we have no alternative but to resign. I have no heat or feeling in the matter, but I cannot continue to act on the Finance Committee, believing that there is new no possibility of balancing tho ledger unless something unforeseen comes along. Surprise Expressed. The chairman: I am surprised at the voting on this matter. Mr Steans: It has been forced on nio that we must make this reduction. I can seq no way of balancing the budget even with tho cut. You may be forced, beforo long, to dispense with tho services of some of the staff. Mr Robertson: I liavo had 20 years of pleasant work with the society and I do not care if I lose iny seat, i will give my notice in writing. Mr Holsey: I hope that no member of the Finance Committee will take my motion as an expression of no confidence in him. The chairman thanked the members for their free and open discussion and expressed pleasure that it had been conducted without friction.