SALARIES RESTORED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22145, 26 June 1935, Page 12

SALARIES RESTORED

HARBOUR EMPLOYEES OPERATION NEXT WEEK ANNUAL COST OF £6300 A further restoration of reductions mado in the salaries of its employees from 1931 to 193,'] was agreed upon by the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday. With the exception of the higherpaid officers, salaries have now been restored to the full amount paid beforo the reductions wore mado. A decision was also made to restore 5 per cent to all employees on hourly wages, which removes previous reductions. The adjustments will take effect from Monday next. The amount involved will be about £6300 a year. Beeommemlntions to this effect were mado by the board in committee at a meeting held last week. When they came before the board in open meeting yesterday, Mr. J. Sayegli protested against the restoration of reductions to thoso employees receiving salaries of over £350. "If wo have money to spare, 1 think it is our duty to start works and give employment to those who were sacked by the bonrd. These men included soino who had given many years of faitliful service." Mr. W. B. Darlow said the higherpaid officers were still short of the full amount by 7 J per cent, while somo of the low«r-paid employees were actually receiving 1-J per cent more than they had received beforo the reductions. Mr. E. J. Phelan said the restorations could be put into force now, and later a works programme could be given consideration. ''l think the wholo of the cuts should bo restored, and, if it is found that any officer is receiving too much, then his salary should bo cut down," said the Hon. T. Bloodworth, M.L.C. "I do not think we have any highly-paid officers, in view of the responsibilities they have." Mr. H. Luke and Mr. Harvey Turner supported the recommendations. Mr. T. A. Bishop suggested that the restorations should have been delayed until the close of the financial year, and then placed in operation, together with a works programme, which would provide full-time employment. "I do not agreo with Mr. Bishop that the matter should be held in abeyance; there has been enough injustice done now," said the chairman, Mr. C. G. Macindoe. The policy of the board in all departments would be to endeavour to reinstate thoso men who had had to be put off. The recommendations of the board in committee were adopted.