NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIAN TRADESMEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 2, 3 July 1939, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIAN TRADESMEN

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I cannot comprehend how Mr. O'Reilly "has had ample opportunity to study conditions on both sides ofj the Tasman," when he is employed on a ship sailing the ocean, with very little time to go ashore when he is in port; also if he reads his daily papers, he must know of the flight of capital, stagnation in business expansion, the reaction of import restrictions, etc., and, above all, lack of confidence in the monetary situation in New Zealand. Even if Mr. Nash does obtain the loan required, will it not go to complicate the financial conundrum in the future, for this country has to face a debt of approximately 66 million pounds, plus interest and exchange? The total debt is much larger, however, and this is to be confronted in the very near future. It will have an important bearing on the "good wicket" that New Zealand workers are enjoying, as alleged by Mr. O'Reilly. It is only a matter of time, in my humble opinion. I sincerely hope, that my theory is wrpng, but facis are stubborn; and in the meantime the cost of living continues to rise slowly, but steadily, thereby causing wages to deteriorate in their purchasing value, this in turn of. course lowering the standard of living. The whole process is automatic, ultimately rebounding on the workers, who in my experience of many countries, change their political creeds and fancies overnight, and vote the Opposition into office with overwhelming majorities. This occurred during the Lang regime in New South Wales. Since then, however, their Budget has actually been balanced with sound financial thought and process by men who really understand the job. In all probability, students of history and politics will attribute the source of the trouble and confusion in the world today to the action of the Labour Government of Britain in 1924. —I am, etc., MONTAGUE WILLIAMS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I have read with interest the letter of Mr. Montague Williams, "Australian Tradesman's Views" of Friday, June 30; also the reply ,by Tosh ..O'Reilly, of Saturday's edition. While admitting' Mr. O'Reilly's reply answers Mr. Williams most aptly, I am urged to write a few lines myself. It must be borne in mind that the wage-earner entering a new country is always in for a little friction with' the native workers. New Zealand is not alone in this respect, and, speaking from experience, this country is much easier than most. Has anyone ever been to "Sunny Australia," and especially the city of Sydney, looking for work? Mr. Williams's letter may have been written hurriedly, but there are a few points that we would like clarified; they give one food for thought. If Mr. Williams had such a "good job" why was he not able to pay his own passage money? Was it a short job, or was his living expenses equal to his income? He says there is "plenty of work in New South Wales." He had a "good job" and then was assisted to employment in another country against the advice of the Premier (Mr. Stevens) of New South Wales, the labour unions, his friends, etc. This all seems a rather strange action for a man . who talks of comparison with others in the world. We take it that Mr,. Williams has travelled. While mentioning about the deduction of the fare from his wages, the social security payment in New Zealand comes in for criticism. Is not Mr. Williams interested in social security for the workers? Does he begrudge the few shillings a week? He must admit that the unemployed have always been better provided for in New Zealand than in Australia.—l am, etc., G.W.H.