SALARY "CUTS"

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 68, 17 September 1927, Page 13

SALARY "CUTS"

RESTORATION URGED

Qnestions regarding tho restoration Cf salary "cuts" made in tho Post and Telegraph Department were raised in the-House of Eopresentatives yesterday afternoon when-the Department's entimates were under consideration. The Bight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward (lavercargill) said that ho understood that a promise had been given that the salary "cuts" would be restored, and asked if it was not obligatory on the Government to fulfill that promise. The leductions* had had a detrimental effect on a number of officers of tho Department and he thought that the Post-Jnaster-General should mako a statement in regard to the position. itr, G. W. Forbes (Hur'unui) said that officers of tho Department had placed their case before members of Parliament, arid it would be interesting to know the views of the Minister and the attitude of the Government.

The matter was also mentioned by the Leader of tho Opposition (Mr. H. E. Holland), who said that a promise had* been given by the late PostmasterGeneral (Sir James Parr) that when the Department was able to show a Burplus applications for increases vrould be favourably considered. Since then the Department had had enormous surpluses, and he thought the case of the P. and T. officials should receive the consideration of the Government.

. Mr.' A, Harris (Waitemata) said jthat the claims of the officers in the clerical and general division had been especially urged. The officers at tho head of these divisions were still in the same position as they were at the time the "cuts "were made, whereas others ;were eligible for increments.

The Postmaster-General (tho \ Hon. |W. Nosworthy) stated that he had'had the files searched, but could find no record of a promise made by Sir James 3?arr in connection -with restoration of the "cuts."- He was waiting to see the results of the commercial balancoeheet, but he would see what could bo 3one and keep the promise he had made on that point.