RESTORATION OF THE CUT

Taranaki Daily News, 8 September 1934, Page 9

RESTORATION OF THE CUT

CONSIDERATION DEFERRED CLIFTON COUNTY DISCUSSION. IMPROVEMENT IN THE POSITION. SUGGESTION OF FIVE PER CENT. The restoration of part of the wage cut was discussed at the Clifton County Council yesterday, and decision was deferred pending full discussion at the next meeting. Introducing the subject the chairman (Mr. H. A. Foreman) said the Government had restored 5 per cent, of the cut, and it had been suggested that the council consider whether the time was opportune for it to do likewise. The council would have to decide whether in its opinion a restoration at the present time would be justified. Although wool and mutton prices had been considerably better in 1933 than in the several preceding years the market was not so promising this year. The Government had evidently thought the time opportune for restoration. The 5 per cent, restoration would make a difference of £lOO 18s a year. Cr. C. H. Bamitt said the council should bear in mind that its revenue was not so much as it had been. The chairman said the position to-day was better by £2OOO than it was at the same time last year, and better than it had been in September for a long period. Cr. Barnitt considered the engineering department was costing quite enough at £5O a month plus the cost of a licensed surveyor. It was pointed out that this sum included expenses, the salary proportion being only £450 a year. The work had increased despite the fact that the Public Works Department had taken over a certain amount of .work. The chairman considered that if any restoration was made there should be no singling out of any particular section, and if restoration were decided upon it should take effect from September 1.

Consideration was deferred until next meeting.