SALARIES INCREASED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 429, 21 November 1930, Page 6

SALARIES INCREASED

POWER BOARD’S JUNIOR STAFF TOTAL OF £2lB INVOLVED A QUALIFYING DISCUSSION Whereas the Wanganui-Rangitikci Electric Power Board is in the fortunate position of being able to make increases in the salaries of the junior member of its staff, debate at the Board table yesterday revealed that members were of the opinion that this was a period uf wage reduction rather than one opportune for increases. A recommendation by the managing secretary (Mr P. H. Smith) that some of the junior staff salaries be increased was approved, but the Board made itself very clear as to how it regarded salaries in relation to the trend of the times. It felt a moral obligation to gi'e the junior members a lift in com pvnsation for their faith in the Board to assist them to a livelihood, and for capable services rendered, but it was definite that unless things improved no rises could be looked for next year. Air Fred Purnell (chairman) said that it . had been customary for junior members to look for increases as from October 1 in each year. The amount over all, which was recommended ran to £2lB per annum. “I am pleased to sec the junior members recommended for increases,” said Air AlacAlanawfty, “but you know very well Mr Chairman that this is not a time for rises.”

“Every man who pays wages to-day has to face the music,” said Air W. S. Glenn. “When it goes out to the Press that this Board is going to increase salaries, how is that going to be viewed? We are all facing the music.”

Mr AfacManaway: And a lot of awards will have to go. The junior members were serving their apprenticeship, said Air J. Patterson. If they were in the building trade they would be drawing £3 and £4 a week. They were not getting that here. It • was his opinion that they were due for rises and should get them.

Air McLean (Taihape) quite agreed with Alcssrs Glenn and AlacManaway, but he did not see, if the Board was in the financial position to raise wages, why it should not do so. In the case of the higher paid officers the time was certainly not opportune, but if the Board was making a profit it could afford to give increases to those deserving of them. “Wc are a semi-public body,” Air McManaway replied. “We are not here to make profits, but to give reductions in charges. We are not here to play wet nurse to the staff or anybody else. What profits we make we should pass back to the consumers.”

Afr R. G. Dalzicll said that some of those on the list for rises were getting more than many farmers were. “There are few farmers making £5 a week,” he said. ’

Afr Smith paid a very high tribute to the junior staff. He said that only those who were due for increases had been recommended. It was not the whole staff. In taking on the staff he had given preference to boys who wore likely to remain in the service and grow to manhood. For a long time they had been doing responsible work. The staff was nearly all juniors with very few senior officers.

“I feel quite certain that there is a reduction in wages coming, not only here, but all over the world,” said Mr K. W. Dalrymple. “We will not be any worse off when it comes, but the reduction should be undertaken by the Government. They are in charge of the country and should give a lead.”

Air Glenn: Name the Government to do it. You will never find one. Mr A. E. Halligan supported the recommended increases. Air J. Aforrison did not think reduction in wages was what was wanted. “If those paid wages worked a bit harder to earn them,” he said, “that would make all the difference. The average worker wants his wages with as little, work as possible.” ••••••

Afr Glenn: If this is an annual salary rise I am going to support it, but we must give the staff six months warning that, unless things improve, they cannot look for increases next year. Afr MacAlanaway: They should get increases until they got a living wage. Some are certainly not getting that. Afr Patterson: Hear, hear. I move that the increases as recommended be granted. The motion was carried. Afr Purnell: We arc quite clear about the future. There is no obligation on the Board to give increases to anybody next year.