HILLSIDE AND THE 40-HOUR WEEK.

Evening Star, Issue 23376, 20 September 1939, Page 10

HILLSIDE AND THE 40-HOUR WEEK.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —The resolution recently passed by the Hillside branch of the A.S.U.S. betrays lamentable Jack of conception of the difficulties—economic and war—confronting New Zealand. We are aligned alongside Britain in what promises to be a lengthy world war, and why it should be reaffirmed that a certain section should continue to enjoy short hours of work in the face of grave national emergency is beyond my comprehension. Is it not realised that Britishers in the war zone are lighting for their very existence, working lung hours, and being shelled, bombed, and torpedoed at sea? Apparently not. And what of the members of the fighting services, including those of our' own country, and the experiences and trials they will be required to face? Neither is it realised that our present financial embarrassment is, in part, the direct result of a curtailment* of production consequent on the adoption of the 40-hour week. The fact that we are importing railway equipment surely' provides proof that requirements are beyond workshops capacity when working present restricted hours. I suggest that if Hillside workers have not more to worry about in the near future than the retention of the 40-hour week, they are very fortunate. Personally, I consider that those responsible for the passing of the resolution are more deserving of censure and the “ contempt ” mentioned than are those who are doing all in their power to stimulate New Zealand to that supreme effort which will be necessary if we are to play our part in assisting to bring the war to an early and victorious conclusion.—l am, etc., Sailok. September 19,