HOUSING STAFF INDIGNANT

Southland Times, Issue 23815, 12 May 1939, Page 5

HOUSING STAFF INDIGNANT

Minister’s Reply To

Be Cbnsidered

BASIC WAGE PAID TO MARRIED MEN

(United Press Association)

AUCKLAND, May 11.

Beyond stating that a meeting of the staff of the Housing Construction Department in Auckland would be held in the immediate future to consider the Hon. H. T. Armstrong’s reply to the telegram relating to the resignation of Inspector Hedley, no comment was made by officers of the department today. It is learned, however, that there is considerable indignation over the nature of the Minister’s reply. “We are well aware of the Public Service Regulations and have no wish to contravene them,” said one of the men “However, we consider it our duty to use our utmost endeavours to have the conditions cleared up. The action we have taken is in the public interest, and the sooner an inquiry is held the better.”

Another officer stated that there were married men on the office staff receiving the basic wage of £3/16/-, who were responsible for the administration of the outside staff, and former Scheme No. 13 men drawing £4/19/2 weekly. Though such anomalies existed, they were not the cause of the action taken by the staff, though an overhaul of the department was required. It is stated that a representative of the staff now visiting Wellington will call on the Minister to discuss the position.