WAR-RISK BONUSES

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 30, 3 August 1940, Page 8

WAR-RISK BONUSES

MEN ON COASTAL SHIPS

AND EXTENDED RIVER LIMITS

(By. Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, August 2,

War-risk bonuses effective from last Thursday have been.awarded seamen, cooks, and stewards employed in the coastal shipping trade, according to an announcement made by .Mr., J. A. Gilmour, .■ ■ Industrial Magistrate, who presided over a conference of representatives of shipping companies and of unions, held .in camera on July 26, in Wellington, by direction, of the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser).

Ratings in/the coastal service will receive a monthly bonus of £ 1 15s, and boys, and cadet stewards will receive a monthly bonus of £1. No bonus has been awarded men employed within river limits. Bonuses, however, of 17s 6d. a month for ratings and 10s a month for boys and cadet stewards working within extended river limits have been allowed. In view of the fact that bonuses had been awarded the workers,of the Australian coastal, vessels and" that allowances had been made, for New Zealand seamen on overseas vessels,. Mr-. Gilmour said the workers were entitled to some increase. Because of the financial;position of the companies he would not make the payment retrospective.

"Though it may not be in my province to comment in these proceedings on the question of freight charges, I feel bound'to say I was impressed by statements from both sides as to the precarious financial position of the companies concerned, and it does appear that sympathetic consideration might,well be given any application made by the companies for permission to increase freight charges in order,to ;meet the additional wage costs im■posed by this decision," said .Mr. Gil■mour. • ; ; , '. ; , ■ . , ■