SURPLUS EARNINGS DISPOSAL

Evening Star, Issue 24424, 9 February 1943, Page 2

SURPLUS EARNINGS DISPOSAL

SOLDIERS WHO StAW WATERFRONT PAY (P.A.) WELLINGTON. February 8. The disposal of the surplus earnings of members of the armed forces who have been employed on the waterfront at several New Zealand ports formed the subject of recent_ representations by the Returned. Services' Association to the Prime Minister, Mr Eraser. The difference between the Army and waterfront rates of pay and how that sum should be disposed of caused the R.S.A. to frame a recommendation that such money should be paid to the respective provincial patriotic councils, thus ensuring that those who may require assistance should have the opportunity of sharing the proceeds of the efforts of their comrades. '

The Prime Minister's reply to the association states: "The gross amount of the wages received by the Government for work carried out on the waterfont by members of the armed forces is credited to the War Expenses Account, which is debited with the amount actually paid to the soldiers and their dependents, plus the social and national security taxes and the cost of the soldier's upkeep. The matter of the disposal of the surplus receipts over the expenditure is now receiving the consideration of the War Cabinet with a view to determining the most satisfactory method of allocation in the interests of serving and returned personnel. The decision arrived at will be communicated to you as soon as possible."