RAILWAY EMPLOYES.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2036, 2 September 1880, Page 3

RAILWAY EMPLOYES.

TO THE EDIXOIi OF THE PBBSS. Bib, —In the midst of great commercial depression—in the midst of great poverty amongst the working classes, calling forth the aid of soup kitchen and a Benevolent Aid Society—wo have common labourers striking in Iyttelton for 12s per day, refusing the offer of 10s from the masters, and the railway employes meeting in mass to resist the reduction of ten per cent. Can anything be more discouraging to the interests of local industry than this ? The wages paid here are more than 100 per cent, in excess of those paid in the old country, while most of the necessities of lite can be purchased below English prices. In the early days of this settlement, wages were for a mechanic Bs, laborers 4s to 4s 6d per day. The price of mutton was 6d per lb, beef was not to be got, flour 50j per cwt, bread 5d to GJ per lb, clothing at an equally proportionate high rate. Yet, with all these difficulties, the early pioneers lived cheerful, contented lives. The bulk of them, being frugal and industrious, are now in the enjoy ment of a well-earned competency. Happily, the position taken up by tho \ railway employes and the stevedores is not universal, a great number of men now out of employment being most anxious to secure it at greatly reduced wages. Private firms have reduced their wages, in some cases more than ten per cent., which has generally been accepted without a murmur. The Government employes put forth as a reason against the reduction that they are in no way blameable for the extravagance, waste ar.d recklessness which has been brought to light through the Civil Service Commission. This is no argument, and I do not think it correct. It is to be very much regretted that the Commission did not inquire into the cost of the various works executed in the railway shops and compare them with similar work done under contract. At present we are totally in the dark as to the value of our Government workshops. It is possible that they are as unproductive to ns as our railways. One small transaction came under notice lately, namely, the cost of making a model of the Lyttelton dock. There mnst have been a great waste of time over that job, as the cost as certified to by Mr Smith amounts to £3O. If this can be accepted as a criterion, what a woeful waste of time must take place, for which the men themselves are directly responsible. The value of a man's labor can only be calculated by the value of what he produces. Owing to depression in trade and superfluity of labor that value haa greatly decreased, and it is only fair that the workmen should share in the depression in the same manner as they have shared in the prosperity of the country. At the meeting held on Sunday it was endeavored to show that the 10 per cent, reduction was really a tax. This is not so. The Government are merely following the lead of private firms, who have no power to tax. I trust tho Government will in no way be disturbed by the attitude of their employes, but will firmly maintain the position they have taken np and enforce the reduction. The financial position of the country requires them to do so. If men could live and save on smaller wages in the early days of the province, Burely they can do so now. I hope that on reflection the better judgment of the men will prevail, and that thpy will quietly accept the terms offered by Government, which are absolutely necessary for the welfare of the State.

Tours, &!!., X.T.Z.