DISMISSALS PROPOSED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22464, 7 July 1936, Page 13

DISMISSALS PROPOSED

ACCLIMATISATION WORK NORTH CANTERBURY STAFF "It is tho most damnable suggestion [ have heard in tho council in tho five years 1 have been on it." This declaration was made by Mr. C. R. Russell when a motion was put bofore the council of tho North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society to the effect that all tjio society's staff he given one month's notice of dismissal and that applications should be called for the positions at reduced salaries, fhe council was discussing tho report of the special committee which was set up some time ago to investigate tho affairs of the society. The motion was later lost when an amendement that a committee make a report on possible economies was carried by eight votes to six.

The council had heard a suggestion earlier in tho meeting that another rangef should be engaged, and Dr. D. McK. Dickson said that a ranger would do well to inspect the bags of rabbitters. He thought that the employment of another ranger might bo possible without increasing the salaries account. However, another ranger would have to be provided with efficient transport. Tho society spent £IO7O Gs 6d a year on wages, said Mr. J. G. Simpson, "I move," he said, "that tho whole of the staff be given one month's notice of dismissal and that a committee call for applications for the positions at reduced salaries. That would give funds for another ranger. Of course, tho present staff could npplv for the positions again." A lengthy debate followed.

" Wo are beginning to get a bit heated." said Mr. C. H. Lawrence. "Mr. Simpson's motion is a very ruthless one, and, having regard to the service given by the employees, it is unfair to ask them to hand in their resignations and apply for re-appoint-Inent. The secretary lias been with us for 22 years, the curator for 18 years and the ranger for eight years. If you have something against them come out in the open and say it and prove it. We have had these innuendoes for year alter year without concrete evidence and nothing ever proved. We are becoming a by-word in tho community. We are always fiphtitig and can never agree. You will have to think out some economy because finance lias always been our trouble, but you will not achieve your object by the ruthless sacking of your employees." An amendment was moved by Mr. Miller that the motion be held over and that the president and Messrs. Hart, Simpson and Bain and Dr. Dickson investigate possible economies and make recommendations. This was carried by eight votes to six.