WAGES ON RELIEF WORKS

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1929, Page 9

WAGES ON RELIEF WORKS

COMPLAINT FROM MARLBOROUGH. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Blenheim, July 17. Commenting on the Press Association message in. reference to the rate of pay to married men on relief works by the Wairau River Board, Mr. E. S. Parker, chairman of the board, said it was difficult to understand the .attitude of the Government, because the board, before commencing operations, telegraphed to Mr. E. A. Ransom, Public Works Minister, asking what rates of pay should be received. The following reply was received: — In reply to your telegram yesterday I have to state that your board may pay whatever rate of wages it decides upon, but the Government subsidy will not be paid on higher rates than 14s 1 per day. For example, if the board pays 15s it would receive a subsidy of 7s only and have to pay 8s out of its own funds. Mr. Parker said the message was clear enough and so the board was guided in fixing on 12s a day. The fact was that l'2s was the usual rate ,of pay in this district for general labourers at the present time. The Marlborough County Council employs 165 mon at 13s, with an extra shilling for those camping on.the job.