SALARY CUTS.

Grey River Argus, 1 July 1922, Page 3

SALARY CUTS.

SECOND ONE FOR RAILWAYMEN. Yesterday, it is understood, Ihe staffs of the Railway Ifepartment in Dreymouth receixed iioti'*.' (hat a second cut in their salaries is to be made, and to begin as from to d' y. The cut is the same as the last one, viz.., one shilling per day. This is the second reduction this year in railwaymen’s ]•::/• It is noteworthy that, instead of a de dim' in the cost of living, tiiere is actually a continued increase in th* price of some necessaries. Butter, for instance, has gone up to 2. per lb in most loc: lities. Tn Parliament this week, members have given notice of numerous- question regarding the Government’s intention in the matter of salary reductions. The Government was asked if the House would be given a chance to discuss ’he whole question before making the fresh cut above mentioned; whether the proposed cuts would be dropped, and whether married men ami teachers would be excluded from reductions. In reply to a question as to whether the Judge, of the Arbitration Court had reported as to the cost of living, Mr Massey stated be had asked JudgeFrazer for a report. What he had received so far, was not in the form in which it could be laid before tin* House. It would probably come before the House in due course. “But I may tell honourable members,” added Mr Massey, “that I am going to abide by the law. 1 am going to state the io tentions of the Government clearly to the House and ask for an expression of opinion. I am going to set the financial position before the House ami it will then bo for members to say what, they will do.”