Carpenters’ Wages.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1922, Page 4

Carpenters’ Wages.

REDUCTION IN WELLINGTON AVELINGTON, March 15 The executive of toe Wellington Master Builders’ Association decided at a meeting held yesterday to reduce the maximum hourly rate of wages being paid to carpenters and joiners from 2s 9d to 2s 6d The reduction takes effect a H from yesterday A pressman was informed that the maximum could have ‘been reduced many months ago but the master builders purposely refrained from taking such action, as they considered that the most skilled tradesmen should continue to he paid the best possible rates To-day, however, it is pointed out, the position is different. It is recognised that for s°me considerable time past high oust of materials and inflated wages have deterred many people from calling tenders for the erection of houses and other premises. Now that a reduction in the maximum rate of wages paid to carpenters and joiners has been birouht about it is hoped that building enterprise in Wellington will he considerably stimulated. Jt is stated that for some months past many master builders in Wellington have been paying 2s 6d an hour as the maximum wage. The supply of tradesmen is considered to be more than equal to the demand, and in numerous instances the award rate, of 2s (I an hour only has been paid.