THE SALARY CUT

Otago Witness, Issue 3566, 18 July 1922, Page 7

THE SALARY CUT

———~ MINIMUM FOR MARRIED MEN. WELLINGTON, July 11. The question asked by Mr D. G. Sullivan (Avon) in the House last week concerning the maintenance of a minimum salary for public servants wis answered by the Prime Minister to-day. In repeating his question Mr- Sullivan said that if the Government made the second cut the salaries of married civil servants, which had formerly been guarded by a minimum of £235 15s, would m some, cases be brought down to about £4 per week. In asking that this minimum be restored, Mr Sullivan contended that some of the men whose wages would be cut down to about £4 could not possibly live on that amount. The Prime Minister said that the position in regard to the minimum salary for married men since 1913 had been as follows: 1913. £l4O- 1919, £180; January, 1920, £lB7 16s; April, 1920. £207 16s; May, 1921, £234 15s; January, 1922, £219 15s (first cut); July, 1922. £209 15s 'second cut). Mr Massey added that the question of hardship referred to by Mr Sullivan was one which (he officers concerned should represent to the head of his department for consideration by the Adjustment Committee established under the provisions of>the Pub- !»,- expesidituto Adjustment Act, 1921-22. That committee had full authority to deal with ail < uses of hardship. The minimum award rate for unskilled labour was at present £3 18s lOd per week. The regulations provided that the remuneration of employees should not be reduced below the award rate.