THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Otago Witness, Issue 4048, 13 October 1931, Page 10

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

PORTION OF SALARY WAIVED

FURTHER VOLUNTARY REDUCTION. WELLINGTON, October G. The Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) has received the following letter from the Governor-General (Lord Bledisloe.): — “In view of the present serious financial position of the Dominion—% position more critical than was antici« pated six months ago—l have decided to waive another portion of the salary and .allowances granted to me as Governor-General by the Government, making a total sum so relinquished of £l5OO a year, or one-fifth of the total' emoluments of the office. Such waiver is to take effect as from November 1 next, to continue as long as the financial crisis justifies, and to be purely personal to myself and not in any way applicable to my successor. I feel that I cannot confidently appeal to others to display a full measure of self-sacrifice accord* ing to their means during the present emergency unless I do the same myself. Although this reduction in my official emoluments will necessarily involve some further appreciable inroad upon such private resources as her Excel* lency and I possess I am able nevertheless to contemplate without anxiety that by the continued exer* cise of rigid economy the traditional requirements of my office can be main* tained at an adequate standard.” In’ handing the letter to the press for publication the Prime Minister said lie desired to express the gratitude of himself and his colleagues for the very practical and generous action of his Excellency in this time of serious economic stress.

“ I feel certain,” Mr Forbes said* “.that the lead given by the Governor* General will be very warmly appreciated throughout the Dominion.”