Malay States Finance

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6628, 15 August 1931, Page 10

Malay States Finance

SURVEY RETRENCHMENT. NEW ZEALANDERS AFFECTED. A number of New Zealanders who in recent years have found positions on the staff of the Survey Department of the Federated Malay States have now had reason to regret their enterprise, as the financial depression there has led to their dismissal. Most of these men received their training with the Public Works Department, and among the victims of the present retrenchment are two married men who left Now. Zealand as recently as July of last year. The finances of tho country have been severely affected by the extraordinarily low prices of rubber and tin, amu there is a suggestion by those on the spot tint tho Government has been thrown iu a panic. All departments are being cut to a minimum, and in tho Survey Department no fewer than 31 out of a total of 91 Europeans have received notice.

Some of the New Zealanders affected had four-year contracts, and the Gov, eminent is seeking to soften tho blow for them by offering a year’s pay as compensation, and by undertaking that if conditions improve they will bo reengaged in order of seniority at any time up to the end of 193 G. The Straits Times, says that the revenue of the Malay States in 1930 was £3,000,000 below the estimate, and that this year the figure is expected to be £2,760,000 below the estimate.