THE STOUT-VOGEL MINISTRY AND THE BATE OP WAGES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1638, 17 August 1887, Page 2

THE STOUT-VOGEL MINISTRY AND THE BATE OP WAGES.

TO THE EDITOR.

Fir, — Sir Robert* Stout at Nupior lately delivered an address, whose principle fna ture eeems lo bo an organ sed perversion of facts. Amongst other things he alloges that it was the pjlicy of tho Opposition "to reduce wages of working men," ns if the loaders of any Parliamentary Opposition would be so foolish as to praponnd such a policy at any election 1 But whatever may be the policy of the Oppo ition, it is a matter of fact tha' twelve months ago the Stout- Yogel Ministry, through their Engineerin-Ohief, issued the following circular by way of instruction to Engineers m charge of districts : —

" The Minister directs that from the Ist AugUßt the rate of wages for unskilled labor is not to exceed G3 per day of eight hours, and the rates for skilled lubor are to be reduced proportionately. This applies to survey hnnds na well, excepting the head chuinman, who may bo paid 8s a day. Tn out-of-the-way ptaces it may be necessary to make special arrangements aa to rate of wages, but approval should be obtaioed from tho office. Of course the special rate* paid for the unemployed (4» a day) are not to bo altered by this circular, "

The circular was not acted upwi, for the simplo reason that tho matter was brought before the House of Representatives, wheroupoa tho Government saw fit to withdraw the circular The railway hands, however, inny fairly say to the Ministry, " Thank you for nothing 1"

I am, etc. 1

A RODS.