Economy Move

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 149, 20 March 1931, Page 11

Economy Move

Si r> —Mr. James Begg, president, of the Otago A. and P. Society, I am sure, voices the opinion .of the bulk of the community in his condemnation of Sir Francis Bell’s opposition to the cut of a paltry 10 per cent, in Civil Service salaries. Sir Francis Bell’s attitude is illjudged aud ill-timed, and will tend to create discontent in the service at a time when all branches of the community should be cheerfully pulling together to effect economies in administration at a very critical time. I started as a cadet at £4O per annum in 1886 and when in charge of an important branch left the Civil Service 14 years later (drawing £lBO per annum at the time). The average annual increment was £lO then. In those days one had to exercise economy and self-denial. Civil Service salaries have more than doubled since, and are really greater now in. proportion to the actual cost of living than formerly. All people in permanent jobs should realise bow wonderfully fortunate they are in comparison with the great majority of the small men on the land, many of whom are hopelessly situated and have no superannuation allowance to fall back upon.—l urn. etc., EX-CIVJU SERVANT. Wellington, March 10.