OPPOSED TO WAGE CUTS

Chronicle (Levin), 26 November 1946, Page 8

OPPOSED TO WAGE CUTS

MR. J. J. MAHER'S ATTITUDE "ul' &b~riot wanVto see wages" redueed. In the slump I fought against reduction of wages." Thus spoke Mr. J. J. Maher, National candidate for the Otaki electorate, speaking finally last evening. "In 1932 I opposed the reduction of Hutt County Council roadinen's wages from 14s to 13s, but was not successful. However, later in 1932 I succeeded in preventing a second cut to 12s." "It is worthwhile telling you what enabled me to succeed on the second occasion," proceeded Mr. Maher. "There were seven of us on the council, includlng the chairman. When one of the councillors moved "for a second cut he was supported by two other councillors, but /I managed to get another two to side with me in o^nosing the cut. That meant that three councillors were supporting, the cut and three opposing, and the final decision resteSd with the chairman. At that time, the controversy was in progress whether to raise the rate of exchange. The chairman said he would prefer the matter to stand over until it was decided whether or not the exchange rate would be increased, and he forced an adjournment. Well, in January, 1933, the exchange rate was raised to 25 per cent. and the chairman then voted against the cut. I mention this incident to showthat the benefit of the increase in the exchange rate was passed on to the working man. "The Labour Party attacked the Coalition Government for raising the exchange rate, but it helped New Zealand to turn the corner and Labour never dared to reduce it. In fact by 1938 they had so inflated the currency that they were faced with the choice oi raising the I exchange rate or imposing import restrictions. They chose the latter course, perhaps -'because they wanted to get control of imports as a means of political patronage."