A PATRIOTIC FIRM

Otago Witness, Issue 3197, 23 June 1915, Page 60

A PATRIOTIC FIRM

GENEROUS OFFER TO EMPLOYEES

WELLINGTON., June 21. Speaking at the annual social of the staff of Messrs” J. B. Clarkson and Co., the chairman of directors, Mr Hope Gibbons, who has already subscribed large amounts to the war funds. Said that the company had decided to donate £SOO to the national fund for wounded soldiers. The directors knew there were many of the firm’s employees who would enlist. Some had already enlisted, but the thought of making provision for those dependent upon the men who wished to enlist probably stood in the way. The directors assured all those who enlisted that they need not have any fear that ‘they would lose by* serving their country, for Messrs Clarkson and Co. would meet the difference between each employee’s soldier’s pay and the salary he had been receiving at the time of his enlistment. In the case of men with dependents, amounts would be regularly handed to their dependents during the absence of the employees, and in a case where there were no dependents the amounts would be banked and handed over in a lump sum upon the soldier’s return. Further, the firm would guarantee to reinstate every employee who was sent to the front into his old position, if not a better one, on his return. If any man felt it to be his duty to go to the front, he might be assured that as far as could be done ho would not lose while he was away or upon his return.