WAR BONUS DEMANDED

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10542, 19 March 1920, Page 6

WAR BONUS DEMANDED

BY P. & T. OFFICERS MINISTERS TO BE INTERVIEWED PROPOSED REVIEW OF SALARIES A crowded and representative meeting of the Post and Telegraph Department employees was held ait the Masonic Hall, Boulcott sitreot, last night. The meeting was described to a •‘Times” representative as "one of the finest the section has over hold," and it was said to have been very enthusiastic throughout. At the conclusion tho general secretary (Mr H. E. tombs), who got a very good hearing, spoke on “P. and T.” matters throughout tho Dominion, and strongly urged the need for tho Government to take action in regard to the cost of living. The following resolutions were carried unanimously:

“That this meeting of P. and T. officers demands the payment of'the war bonus as promised by Sir Joseph Ward.”

“In addition to (the increases of salaries indicated, it is essential in view of the abnormal and unprecedented increases in tho prices of the necessities of life, that the payment, of a special bonus is imperative until prices recede to normal levels, and tha/t tlie payment should extend to every officer in tho service irrespective oif salary.”

“This meeting of the Wellington Post and Telegraph officials directs the executive committee of tho association to place before tho Postmaster-Gen-eral and tho Government tho need to at once review the salaries and wages allotted to the majority of tho staff of tho department, as it is impossible to provide a reasonable standard of living at prices at present ruling, much less to do so at prices that are forecasted in the daily papers. It feels that the war, having been fought and won in order to make the world safe for democracy, it is the Government’s bounden duty to make the condftions of life in New Zealand such that the majority can say that they are enjoying the fruits of tho victory they helped to secure. It should not _be left to individuals, whose solo object is the profits they can make, to decide what the people shall pay for food, clothing and housing. _ Pending Government acceptance of this responsibility the executive is directed to press for further increases in salaries and wages to place all officers in the same position as regards the pur. baaing power of their incomes as obtained in 1914. The basic wage for all male adult workers (whether on the permanent or temporary staff) should therefore be raised to at least £1 per day and proportionate salaries allotted as a just recognition of advanced . skill, longer experience, and higher duties and responsibilities.” “That the executive of the association be called upon to immediately place the foregoing resolutions together with the resolutions passed at other centres, before the Government for consideration and action, and that the committee seek an interview with the Prime" Minister and Postra aster- G enera 1 on behalf of tho general service in order that the pressing necessities of officers may Se fully understood! by the Government.”