WOULD COST A MILLION

Evening Star, Issue 20312, 22 October 1929, Page 8

WOULD COST A MILLION

RESTORATION OF SALARY GUTS PREMIER’S STATEMENT OH PUBLIC SERVICE INCREASED SALARY SCALE IMPRACTICABLE [Ft on Ouk Parliamentary Retorter.] WELLINGTON, October 22. The Prime Minister being unable to make his promised statement to the House regarding the requests of the Public Service for restoration of salary cuts, and other Public Service matters raised by a deputation from the three parties, has handed his statement to the Press. This shows that the whole question has been the subject of investigation by a representative committee of departmental heads, who reported that to restore salary cuts In all services, after making allowances for improvements which have been since granted, would involve one million sterling per annum, and that for a number of reasons (which they enumerate) any attempt to restore these reductions, or generally to increase the salary scales is not warranted, practicable, or capable of equitable adjustment. Sir Joseph Ward remarks that the financial position was pointed out to the parliamentary deputation, and when the million cost is contrasted with the obligation to increase taxation, it is evident that it would involve a further burden of taxation. While some may feel that, perhaps, a distinction should ho drawn in respect to the Post and Telegraph Department, where there is a greater number of officers on lower scales, it is a classified service, and it is impossible to increase salaries in one group without disturbing its relationship to other classes of employees. An attempt will be made to improve the position of postal officers at tho top of the £295 class by promoting the more deserving, and opportunities will be offered of transferring to other branches of the Public Service if desired.

There will be an investigation of the superannuation funds during the recess, as, in the ‘ Prime Minister’s opinion, the financial position ol these funds is of considerably more vital significance to public servants at present than claims for salary adjustment.