UNION FOR CLERGY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 111, 14 May 1942, Page 3

UNION FOR CLERGY

SUGGESTION VOICED “DISGRACEFUL” STIPENDS (P.A.) New Plymouth, May 13. “1 do not see how they are existing.' said the Bishop of Waikato, Rt. Rev. C. A. Cherrington, referring al a meeting of the Taranaki Archdeaconry Board in New Plymouth to clergymen being paid inadequate stipends. A man earning £6 a week working on the roads was given a 5 per cent, increase, he said as an example, but. the clergy were still getting onlj' £3OO a year as they had been before any of the increases came in. “I do not know how any man can support a wife and family on £3OO a year," he said. "Such payment is disgraceful.” There are some workers who had national and social security tax paid for them by their employers, out he had yet to hear any vestry had offered to do this for its vicar. Several delegates expressed the hope their parishes would increase their efforts and agreement with the Bishop’s remarks about the clergy’s stipends was also expressed. One delegate said “it seemed terrible." No . one thought about increasing stipends wh“n everybody else had an inc-.use in pay. "It has been suggested that the clergy sh Hila form a union so they might uphold their rights,” ne said amkl laughter.