ECONOMY MEASURES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 69, 20 February 1931, Page 8

ECONOMY MEASURES.

REDUCTION OF WAGES

P. AND T. EMPLOYEES’ PROTEST

A well-attended meeting of the Manawatu section of the Post and Telegraph Employees’ Association was held last night, when consideration was given to the proposed reduction of ten per cent in the salaries and wages of public servants as announced by the Prime Minister a week ago. After a discussion of the subject, the following resolutions were carried: “This meeting of employees of the Post and Telegraph Department stationed in Palmerston North desires to express strong dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister’s proposed salary cut. We agree that the country is passing through a lean period but fail to see why tKe Civil Service should be called upon to make up the farmers’ deficiencies, which are due more to acquiring motor cars -on time payment than the present depression. It is considered that the farmers have had good times until recently but have failed to provide for a ‘rainy day.’ Chambers of Commerce also have voiced airy opinions regarding reducing Civil Servants’ salaries, but judging by the money spent in building business premises in this city recently (approximately a quarter of a Million) their claims hardly bear justification. It is noted that no provision is made by the Prime Minister to reduoe rents, interest on State advance loans, dental fees, doctors’ fees, municipal rates, etc., etc. We, therefore, strongly object to the civil servants haying to undergo another reduction in salary to meet the country’s financial position, which has been caused by extravagance in boom times by farmers and commercial enterprises spending recklessly and which has been encouraged by the Governments in power during these periods. Furthermore, we urge that, if the reduction is to take effect from April, it should be worked on a graduated scale, and therefore ease the burdens of the lower salaried officers who are struggling to keep their homes together on their present low salaries. If the present Government is sincere in its attempt to meet the country’s burdens in every possible manner, we submit that State lotteries should be instituted to keep the money circulating in this country, which at presenr, is going to other parts.” « “That the members of the Palmerston North Post and Telegraph Employees’ Association withdraw their trade from those business members of the local Chamber of Commerce who are supporting- the propaganda regarding the reduction of the civil servants’ salaries.”

“This section of the Post and Telegraph Employees’ Association views, with disgust, the action of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce in passing a resolution that the Government be requested to allow all contributions to the Earthquake Relief Fund to be deducted from the income tax of the contributors.”

It was proposed that the section get in touch with other State servants in Palmerston North with a view to discussing the Government’s proposal affecting salaries and wages.