THE ECONOMY COMMISSION.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 1978, 21 November 1921, Page 4

THE ECONOMY COMMISSION.

The General Secretary of the New Zealand Public Service Association, in a statement to q, Wellington newspaper, alleges that an understanding was entered into between the Uniformity Committee (representing the Government) and the Public Service Association, in 1920, that no reduction in salaries would take place unless the percentage increase‘in the cost of living (then at 62 per cent) fell below 62 per cent, and then only by a proportionate reduction in the increase then given to meet the increase in the cost of living. The secretary points out that several members of the Uniformity Committee sat on the Economy Commission, whose report, though in the hands of the Government for some weeks, has not yet been published. He cannot conceive that as honourable men they could have recommended to the Government the reduction now suggested. In view of this statement, it is desirable that the recommendations of the Economy Commission be laid upon the table of the House at the earliest possible moment. It is also desirable that the Prime Minister should make a statement as to whether an absolute undertaking was given, with the authority of the Government, that no reduction in salaries should take place unless the percentage increase in the cost of living fell below 52 per cent.