Civil Service Cuts

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 170, 14 April 1932, Page 9

Civil Service Cuts

Sir, —Kindly allow me space to protest against the proposed further cut on salaries and wages of Civil Servants, especially those with large families. 1 will quote a case, which is only one of many: I have five children under la years of age; prior to the 1931 cut, my salary was £335 per annum, less 5 per cent, superannuation, and as a saving measure I put my- all into the purchase of a house, which left a mortgage of. £6OO, and I found I could just struggle along. Then the first cut came, together with the 3d. in the £1 unemployment tax, which reduced iny earnings to £282 per annum. I then found I was right up against it, and to cap all, my wife had to go to the hospital for four months, and I had to employ help. My wife is now in hospital again, and when she does come out will not be able to perform household duties. Now comes word of the increased unemployment tax and a further wage cut of 10 per cent., which will reduce my salary to £241 per annum, which is £55 less than I received when I first married. I have a responsible position, and now, after twenty years’ honest service, have to lose my home, and see my children go without decent clothing and food. Sir, I ask you. could not married members, with three or more children, be exempt from so drastic a cut?— I am, etc., yv oR R IED FAT HER.