CO129-525-3 Estimates 1931 and other financial papers 16-1-1930 - 1-9-1932 — Page 30

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was settled was that they should be paid at the

current rate, provided that the current rate is 2/-

or less than 2/-, but that if the rate exceeds 2/-,

the salaries are to be paid at 2/-. It is quite

clear from the terms of the report of the Commission,

and the Resolution of the Legislature, and from the

speeches made when the Resolution was introduced,

that the possibility of the dollar falling below 2/-

was contemplated, and that it was the intention that

the officers should have the benefit if it did.

Yet, before six months are passed, it

is proposed to tear up the arrangement, and to placate

the Unofficials with some of the salaries of the

Officials. Now,

the arrangement is, in respect to

the possible rise of the dollar, one-sided in favour

of the officers, and I am not going to suggest, of

Scheme

course, that the on binds the Government in

perpetuity. But what I am quite sure is that it

was never intended that it should be altered until

a reasonable period had elapsed, and certainly not

that it should be altered merely because something

has happened which was foreseen and provided for

and settled. The Officials, of course, have no

legal rights;

like all civil servants, they must

rely upon the honour of Governments. I am bound

to say that I think the action which is proposed

is, having regard to the terms of the settlement,

the circumstances, and the dates, a breach of the

intention and the terms of the June Sekerfect.

.12.30.

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