THE ARMY SEEKS RECRUITS

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25450, 23 March 1948, Page 4

THE ARMY SEEKS RECRUITS

RATES OF PAY AND CONDITIONS COMPARISON MADE WITH CIVILIAN RATES In an effort to gain recruits from J Force for the New Zealand Regular Army, the last issue of "Jaytorce Times,” published for men of all services in Japan, sets out in a form not previously used in New Zealand; changing Army pay and conditions. The claim is made that, as well as receiving the benefit of muchimproved living conditions, the soldier is now paid “as a master of his trade,” his salary comparing more than favourably with existing rates of pay in industry in- New Zealand. The truth of that claim is shown by a comparison,' worked out jby a reporter of "The Press,” of the new Army rates of pay with those for responsible civilian positions advertised in “The Press." 1 For instance, when he receives his third star (an Army grading) a corporal—one of the Army's lowest ranks —receives, if he is married, £498 a year. The Dunedin City Council, advertising on March 20, offered less than that for an assistant electrical engineer—£4so to £485 a year, plus 5 per cent. One grade of rank higher in the Army, a sergeant Mio is married draws £516 a year. “The Christchurch office of a Dominion-wide concern” advertising for an accountant on March 20 offered a commencing salary of £450 a year. Auckland University College, advertising for a research assistant, also places him at less than a corporal’s pay, setting the salary at £450 a year. A sergeant-major with allowances in the New Zealand Army is well within the salary range offered, by advertisement, a temporary lecturer in architecture at the University of Sydney. The university offers from £5OO to £750 a year for, the lecturer. The sergeant-major can earn up to around £640 a year, on the figures quoted in “Jayforce Times.” The borough, of Taumarunui, seeking a borough engineer, offers £625 a year for the job, but says that application is being made to the Director of Stabilisation to have it Increased to £7OO. All the Army rates of pay have in addition a gratuity of £25 a year, which can.be assessed at a further 10s a week, although it cannot be drawn until the end of service. The rates quoted by "Jayforce Times” do not set out the new rates of pay for officers. A lad under 21 who becomes a lance-corporal can earn £329 10s a year in the modern army, justifying the advice of the Army, as given in its newspaper, that intending recruits should "take a look at the situations vacant column of any newspaper or ask their friends where else they can get such a steady job.” Other benefits the Army lists for recruits are the chances of promotion, the fact that men can serve an apprenticeship there for a recognised trade, educational facilities, such amenities as a garage (there is one now at Trentham) where the men can service their own private cars, and eventually, for those who live in camp, a cubicle to himself for every soldier. ~