THE COST OF LIVING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15341, 2 October 1917, Page 5

THE COST OF LIVING.

DEPUTATION OF CIVIL SERVANTS. STRAIGHT TALK BY THE PREMIER.(Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, October 2, A deputation of Civil Servants waited on the Premier yesterday privately. Mr Allport, Secretary of Marine, as spokesman,, read a long, - statement criticising the Government for what was described as its neglect tp . deal with the question of the cost of living, also outlining a series of suggestions, including one that Civil Servants who had gone to the front should have their pay made up to their pre-enlistment pay. : At this point Mr Massey cut short Mr Allport’s statement with a reminder that the Government was responsible to the country for the legislation and its administration. Hfe indicated strong disapproval of the tone of the deputation’s statement. Civil Servants could not be permitted'to dictate policy to the Government. Mr Massey also hinted that it might be necessary to further reduce some of the departmental staffs. ! In a further discussion, the deputation suggested that primary products should be sold to the consumer at reduced' prices, the balance to be made up from the Consolidated Fund. Mir Massey said it was impossible to grant all the concessions asked for. The public could .get meat from the stores at the same jmce that was being paid by the Imperial Government. The deputation had complained that the Civil Servants had not had an adequate opportunity to place their Views before the Cost of Living Committee, but it appears that the Civil Servants wanted not only to send representatives to give evidence, but asked for the special privilege of their representative to attend the committee’s sittings and cross-ex-amine all other witnesses. The committee declined to agree to this.