ADEQUATE SALARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24221, 13 February 1940, Page 6

ADEQUATE SALARY

ENGINEERING POSITION DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL A complaint that the City Council was offering too low a salary for an engineering appointment for which it was calling applications was made by two councillors at the meeting of the City Council last night. The relevant clause in the report of the Works Department was as follows; —“It is recommended that application be invited for a suitable person who has completed the final examination for 8.E., or who has equivalent qualifications, to fill the position of temporary engineering assistant (grade vii) at a salary of £255 per annum.” “ Young people should be encouraged to qualify themselves for higher positions.” said Cr McMillan. “It takes a young man six years at the University to secure the B.E. degree, and we offer him a position at less than £5 a week. I think we should offer a higher salary.” Cr Henderson, who supported the motion, said it looked like trying to get a man at as low a figure as possible. “ I agree that we should oav the best possible salary,” said the Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen). “In this case, however, the salary of £255 a year offered is according to the recent grading decided on bv the council and in conformity with what the Government nays for similar services.” Cr Wilson (chairman of the Works Committee), in reply, contended that any young man who entered the City Engineers’ Department at £255 was fortunate as he could not get better experience anywhere. Besides, he received annual increases in salary, and could count himself very lucky indeed to receive such valuable training.