WAS IT RUDE TO ASK FOR DETAILS?

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17834, 30 April 1926, Page 4

WAS IT RUDE TO ASK FOR DETAILS?

QUESTION OF SALARIES IS THRESHED OUT. (special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, April 30. A pertinent question asked at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Society for the Protection of Women and Children and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals gave rise to considerable discussion that seemed to perturb a number of those present. After the treasurer, Mr C. J. Eller* beck. had completed the reading of the balance-sheet, a lady rose in the bodv of the hall and asked why the salaries were not enumerated, mentioning especially those ol the inspectors and the secretary, Miss I. L. Burton. _ , The chairman, the Rev (». Bond, replied that it was not * usual procedure to individualise the salaries. The Rev P. S. Smallficld said it was invidious at public meetings to read out individual salaries. If anyone wanted to know anything they could call on the secretary. The lady asfccd if it were not an annual meeting.

Mr Sinallfield admitted that it was. and intimated that if the question was pressed she had a right to know. Voices: We would like to know. Mr Smallficld: We have nothing to hide. The chairman: No, we have nothing to hide, but such a question has never been asked before. _ A member said he did not think such a matter should be made public. Another member: Would there be any objection to the lady being supplied with the information? The chairman: None whatever. Mr Ellerbeok: I don’t get anything, and if the lady will come to the front I win let hoi- see the list. The invitation was accepted, after which the chairman remarked, “The lady now knows the secret, and also that the officers deserve every penny they get. A member: That information should be available to all members. In other centres they arc not ashamed *o put it a!! in the balance sheet. (Hear, hear.) The chairman: I don’t think there should be applause for that. The Rev (’ruickshank was of the opinion that the attitude being taken up by a section of those present was a rude one.

The treasurer said he would work out the figures and give them out at a later stage. The matter was evidently forgotten, as no mention was made of it again.