GIRL WORKERS AT THE GARDENS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25386, 18 November 1943, Page 6

GIRL WORKERS AT THE GARDENS

Sir,—At a recent City Council meeting Cr Ireland stated that the girl trainees at the Dunedin Botanical Gardens are satisfied with their wages and conditions. I think it fair to the girls and the citizens of Dunedin that these wages and conditions should also be stated, and I hope Cr Ireland will answer my letter with a full statement on the subject. The four senior girls now employed at the Gardens have had from four to six years of work and study at the Gardens, including university training, and are now helping to further the studies of the younger trainees. The girls are doing a great job in helping to take the place of six male gardeners who have gone overseas. As a returned soldier I say, “ Hats off to the girls,” for their good work, and may they receive every encouragement in their fine effort! ” It is a great pity, however, that the Dunedin City Coiincil cannot see its way clear to pay them any more than £2 5s weekly, less tax.- Of course, they are under no obligation to stay there, except for their patriotism and a love for their work. They could always, give UP, their jobs and place themselves under the Man-power Committee and, after six years of, study to become botanists, finish up in a woollen mill. . '

I think the good people of Dunedin, who have always been noted for their generosity, will join with ; me . in suggesting to the City Fathers that the girls’ wages be increased in comparison with the times.—l am, etc., ’ Amateur Gardener.

IWe have not thought it necessary to refer the above letter to the chairman of the Reserves Committee. By a recent judgment of the Arbitration Court women employed by the Reserves Department are adjudged to be employed under the General Labourers’ Award, and have to be paid a labourer’s wage of £5 5s 9d per week. There is at present only one woman employee working on the reserves who is entitled to receive this award wage. There are, however, a number of trainees or apprentices who are not affected by the industrial award.—Ed. O.D.T.]