Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 1947 THE GOSPEL OF WORK

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 29, 16 May 1947, Page 4

Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, MAY 16, 1947 THE GOSPEL OF WORK

THE recent resolution passed by the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Association advocating that “industrialists should urge the Government to take the necessary action to instil into the minds of the younger generation the necessity for a more positive attitude towards work as an important part of a citizen’s life and responsibilities” is probably the soundest advice our legislators have had in years. It is, unfortunately, only too true that the tendency latterly has been too much in the other direction. There are many people today whose aim seems to be to do as little work as possible for as much as possible. This is a very dangerous attitude for any people to adopt, and, if it is allowed to develop to any great extent, it can only bring about a general decline of production and a definite lowering of the standard of living. It is certainly necessary to instil this lesson into the minds of the rising generation, because, if the present tendency is not checked, they will be the ones to suffer. “A fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work” is an old slogan that remains as applicable today as when it was first uttered. The employer has as much right to complain of the worker who does not give an honest day’s work as the worker would have to complain if he did not receive his full day’s wage. And over and above that the community as a whole has cause for solid objection, because a worker, in failing to produce his proper output, is lessening the supply of goods and services and is thereby increasing the cost of living. It is a recognition of this fact that requires to be driven home. Nothing can be achieved without work, honest work which promotes the supply of goods, increase the purchasing power of money, and creates general well-being and happiness. Educationists have a responsibility to ensure that this principle is inculcated among the rising generation. The teaching of the “three R’s” and of other subjects is very important, but not enough; the formation of sound, upright character overrides them all, and is the most important factor in the building up of a nation and its stability. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the Government will not be slow in taking action in the direction urged by the Manufacturers’ Association. In a country in which the 40-hour week has been introduced, it is more necessary than ever that everyone should put his best into those 40 hours lest production decrease. There is no room in ,the shprter working week for slackers; by slackening their efforts persons are endangering the advantages gained by others, and they should be told it. The moral prim ciples of the gospel of work must be instilled into the rising generation if the nation is to maintain its living standards.