All-in War Effort

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 29, 29 October 1942, Page 6

All-in War Effort

Sir, —An “all-in war effort’’ does not mean that those who are fortunate enough to be freed from military service on account of occupation or disability should be "all in” for what they can make out of the war. Yet the earnings of many individuals have increased substantially, through the shortage of labour and the urgency of work,_ both of which conditions are the result of the war. The Excess Profits Act allows business concerns to retain 40 per cent, of any profit they make over and above the average earnings for three years prior to the introduction of the Act. It can be taken, therefore, that the Government considers this division of the spoils of war to be' fair, i.e., 60 per cent, to the war fund and 40 per cent, for the beneficiaries.

On the same basis, I suggest a conscription of all extra increments; that is, those in excess of earnings averaged over the last three years.. Eurther, I suggest a wartime basis of income, based on Army pay, with due allowance for individual responsibilities. A labourer, for instance, would be allowed a private's pay, plus keep and equipment; a foreman, the equivalent of a sergeant; and so on. Any earnings over and, above this would be on the 40-60 basis already fixed by the Government in respect of business concerns. After all, those who are exempted in the age groups called up have the comfort of their homes, families and friends. Surely this is enough. Why should they also be better off financially? Weil, “the call is for leaders!” Come on, Mr. Eraser! —I am, etc., ALISTEIi BEV IN. October 22.