WAGE REDUCTIONS RESTORED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 10 January 1936, Page 4

WAGE REDUCTIONS RESTORED

DECISION OF WAIMEA COUNTY COUNCIL THE FINANCIAL POSITION The Waiinea County Council at today’s meeting unanimously decided to restore the wage and salary “cuts” of 5 per cent. The chairman (Councillor J. Corder) pointed out that the matter of restorations had been held over pending a report by the County Clerk on the financial position of the Council. The report, which was now available, showed that it was anticipated to have a credit balance of £7OOO at the end of the financial year. In view of the position he considered the Council should reinstate the “cuts.” The Government had increased wages for unemployed, and the Council may be faced with difficulty in securing the labour it should reasonably expect if some increase was not made. He moved that the 5 per cent, be restored.

The motion was seconded by Councillor L. A. Higgins,. who explained that be had been responsible for moving for the reductions at a time when the ratepayers were having the most difficult time. He had disliked having to do it, hut he was pleased to say the staff had accepted the reductions in the right spirit. He considered the time was now opportune to make the restoration, which he would support. Councillor J. Mureott asked how much the restrictions would entail per annum, the replv being about £3OO. HIGH WAGE RATES AFFECT FARM LABOUR Councillor L. Baigent said he would not oppose, the motion, but if the Council was £7OOO in credit it should consider, a reduction in the rates next year.’ At' the present time the Government, was increasing wages and the Councils were doing the same, the result being that farmers were finding it difficult to secure farm labour. “New Zealand is a primary producing country and a position is being created whereby it will be difficult for the farmer to get a decent man,” be added. The councillor referred, to the position which had arisen among the relief workers at the Ashley river camp, where they could earn 15s per day, but the men would not take it.

The motion was carried unanimously