HIGHER PAY IN SERVICES

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26409, 1 May 1951, Page 6

HIGHER PAY IN SERVICES

Private May Eam £9/16s A Week EXAMPLES GIVEN OF NEW RATES From Our Own Reporter WELLINGTON, April 30. The need for increasing New Zealand's Navy, Army, and Air Force was mentioned to-night by the Minister of Defence (Mr T. L. Macdonald) in a statement announcing increased pay rates and allowances for the services. These are to operate from April 1. The new rates gave a private soldier the opportunity of earning up to £9 16s a week, the Minister said, and all rates compared with these in industry. . The seriousness of the international situation, said the Minister, called for measures which would increase the readiness of the armed forces, and in particular the regular element of the forces, upon the efficiency and strength of which the success of the defence plans depended in such large measure “Since the return of the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) from London, detailed consideration has been given to defence plans, and the position has also been discussed in the Council of Defence with the chiefs of staff,” said Mr Macdonald. “It is clear that to carry out these plans the regular forces must be increased. This applies to all the services. The improved rates of pay and allowances which have now been established for the regular forces should encourage young men to join. The new pay rates compare favourably with those paid in industry. They recognise the special conditions attaching to employment in the armed forces, and acknowledge also the special skill and responsibility which are now demanded in so many branches of the armed forces. It is hoped that they will attract young men to the colours. “The recent decision of the Government by whic.h servicemen reengaging on completion of their terms of initial enlistment were granted a bonus according to the number of years for which they re-enlisted, should also encourage skilled men to re-engage for further service. “In addition to revision of the pay code steps are also being taken to increase housing accommodation for personnel on service establishments, and otherwise to improve the amenities of service life. Included within the Government housing plan is an allocation of housing for each of the services, and the construction of these houses is proceeding. Progressively, therefore, there will be a substantial increase in the number of houses on service establishments. “K Force rates of pay are based on those for the regular forces, and are being increased commensurately. As announced earlier, these rates are effective from April 1, 1951.” In concluding his statement the Minister appealed to young men and

women to consider a car *J r Jf #■ armed forces. In all arms of e vices there was a need now wr and women with high skill an . . ledge, which could be used vantage in industry. Th* s *, irfC t. placed particular importance o Jer# ing training so that w h* n « of engagement expired »*r™ servicewomen would be able ° full and useful place in ci*'. The following example* Of were given by the Minuterment a recruit in the tiue* g if over 21, would jeceiy* month 1 9d a week for the first ?J* rease d» after which pay would be in reC eirt £6 13s. A private soldier w ou d: between £6 0s 9d and £9 . B flcat joc depending on the .trade cl* - An and length of time in the ran Force sergeant would recel e ‘ » £lO 10s and £lB 13s chief petty officer and £l5 Is a week. In «*** * quoted the equivalent ran® t & other services would receive a fl g. same rates of pay. ComI ? 1 > roW £» • cers’ rates of pay rangedunder a week for acting-pilot , ijeuten*®t training to £l7 10s for’ 1 ” commanders, majors, an ntJ for leaders. There were length of service in most y remarried men living at hern .jj « ceive a marriage all ?, w * a fn oW tne* * Cd a week, plus a ration a> w £1 15s.