UNION FOR PARSONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15529, 5 June 1918, Page 5

UNION FOR PARSONS.

XJYING WAGE ADTOCATED. STARVATION IN THE MANSS. An elder of the Presbyterian Chunk at Idem ore, N.S.W., stood up mi tk» Presbyterian Assembly the other day and advocated the formation of a Uni®* of Presbyterian Ministers, to get higher stipends in order to meet the iMronoad oost of living due to the war. Mr James Barrie said that all knew that the cost of living had increased, and be often wondered how many of tha people living in the maneea were abl® to make both ends meet. It was a serious matter in some instances, and it surprise! him that a ministers’ union had not been formed with the object of exacting higher wages. He wondered why the men who were well tp in tha church did not think out a scheme. Rev. John Ferguaoo: What would ye* do? Mr Barrie; I’d form a union and register it. Hev. John IVrguaon: And go M strike? Mr Barrie: Yes, if a living wage w*a Hot paid. Mr Barrie said that people in certain districts were red ring more money than ever, and spending on luxuriea which they had had to do without before. He thought that ministers should not receive less than .£4OO a year. That amount would bring them up to the standard of civil life, and would enable them to fulfil their obligations. Mini®* terg should )e placed above benevoleac* and should have a living wage.