COST OF LIVING

Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1920, Page 1

COST OF LIVING

EMPLOYERS PROTEST. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 4. Referring to the Arbitration Court’s announcement- in regard to the new cost of Jiving bonus, Mr Pryor (Secretary of the Now Zealand Employers’ . Federation) asserted the Court’s pronouncement had come as a staggering blow to the employers’ of the Dominion.. He says it will mean placing a further burden upon the general community. There will he an additional increase in the cost of living. Very great anxiety was being expressed by employers throughout the Dominion. “ Indications are not wanting,” he says, “ that in many directions ability to pass these increases on .to the public is very nearlfy at an end, and that many trades and industries will be seriously affected in consequence.” Referring to the Court’s policy in this matter, Mr Pryor said:—“The Employers’ Federation’s interpretation of Sections 18 and 19 of the War Legislation and Statute Law Amendment Act does not agree with that placed upon them by the Court. Legal opinion strengthens the view that the Court had discretionary powers in the matter. The Court, however, in adopting its view that the clauses are mandatory, and awarded bonuses strictly in keeping with the Statistician’s estimate of the increase in the cost of living. A meeting of the Parliamentary Commit, tee of the Employers’ Federation was held this afternoon to consider the position, and it was decided .to approach the Government for a repeal of tlio ela/uses in question. This is in order that the Arbitration Court might hq free to give its decisions, after having taken- all material circumstances into consideration. It also was resolv. ed to urge that, while allowing for tlie increase, in the cost of living, and'tho ability of the employers, and the public also to pay, the efforts s 0 far as a further increase in the cost of living was concerned, might bo dealt with and provided for. The Employers’ Federation contends parliament should deal with the matter at once.”