Less Labour But Cost Is More, Says Ex-County Chairman

Wanganui Chronicle, 14 December 1949, Page 4

Less Labour But Cost Is More, Says Ex-County Chairman

In spite of the use of more machinery the Waitotara County Council finds that its expenditure on labour is an increasing cost. The retiring chairman( Cr. G. Palmer) told councillors yesterday that although fewer workers had been employed during the past year the wages bill had increased by £7OO.

“These high costs apply to all businesses, including farming,” said Cr. Palmer. “We cannot do any job today at even double what it cost 10 or 12 years ago. This has caused an increase in rates throughout New Zealand but 4 if the roads were to be kept up to a decent standard to cope with the increasing traffic, rates had to be increased.”

' Meeting Date Changed. When Parliament is in session, the Wanganui Education Board will meet on the third Monday of the month at 11.30 a.m., instead of the third Tuesday, as at present, at 10.30 a.m. When Parliament is not in session, however, the board will meet on the third Tuesday, as usual. This was decided on at the monthly meeting yesterday, when Mr. W. Bromiley (Waverley) suggested that the date be changed in view of the chairman, Mr. W. B. Tennent, having been elected to Parliament as member for Palmerston North. ‘Under no circumstances do we wish to lose Mr. Tennent’s services as chairman,” said Mr. Bromiley. Mr. W. G. Price: “It looks as though | some members want to come to our beautiful city for the week-end.” Mr. Tennent said he appreciated the gesture of board members.