PUBLIC OPINION. THE AMERICAN EMPLOYER.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1926, Page 4

PUBLIC OPINION.

THE AMERICAN EMPLOYER.

“The American employer is not hostile to high wages; lie does not fear them; he is sympathetic with them. In the United States during the last tew years wages have arisen much more than prices, in Great Britain wages have fallen more than prices. That, in its way, is a dull tragedy—vhat our authors truly call a “ retrogression in civilisation.” Infinite harm in this country has been done by attempts to cut piece-rates when the worker was thought to be making too much. That strikes at the very root of the incentive to exertion. In the United States no limit is placed upon the possible earnings of any man, and there the employees clearly understand that the raising of wages forms a deliberate part of the policy of employers, who themselves make larger profits on increasing turnover.”—Mr J. ( L. Garvin in the “ Observer.”

COMMON SENSE IN DEFENCE.

“It took us years of bitter effort and I loss to rough out an organisation suitable for the conduct of war. Eventually we fund it best to have a samll War Cabinet, with the Prime at its head, to control and direct noliey. We require an adaption of that experience for peace. The’Prime Minister, with such assistance as he requires, must control policy in war; therefore he should control the policy of the Fighting Services in peace. There is very little sense in having in-

formation about the Navy of a foreign Power in one building, about its Anny in another, and about its Air Force ir. ■ a third. The Intelligence Service is the easiest to deal with first; when its combination is effected we can proceed to the formation of a common operations staff. This done we shall have given the organisation responsible for policy and plans a heiul and a brain. When head and brain are working satisfactorily, we can proceed towards what most people mean when they talk of a Ministry of Defence; that if, the co-ordination of the administrative functions of the three Services.”— Major-General Sir F. Maurice in the ‘‘Daily News.” THE BRITISH ETHIC. “ In spile of political and economicdifferences, the tendency of public opinion is towards helping the triumph of right. There never was a time when the general public was more solicitous there should be correct dealing with the working classes. There is plenty of •ooin for improvement, but we have only to look back over the list fifty years lo appreciate what has been accomplished in factory legislation, in conditions of labour, in tbo reduction of hours, the considerable diminution of slums, to understand there has been great progress. ■Ethically wo are standing oil the top of file hill. Without hope for reward, but simply because we believe in right, n tremendous movement for ameliorating conditions is now in full swing. When we have listened lo talk about the greed of men we should notice the valuable services rendered by tons of thousands of people fur the benefit of their fellows.”—Sir John Foster Frasr . FEAR OF “THE SACK.” “The assumption that workers take :i delight in avoiding work is a - fallacy ; at least such is my experience. ‘1 like to be busy. The time passes more quickly and pleasantly, is a common workshop observation, especially amongst the artisan class, and this truth is not surprising when one remembers that any normally active individual would much rather be usefully employed than engaged in the tiresome task of killing time. But wild can one expect when men are in daily fear of ‘the sack.’ when they receive no appreciation for extra effort. and when they see wasteful administration and obsolete methods. Employers and pr.lil'icjnns, trade union leaders and psychologists, alike seem to miss Ibo sediment factor in industry, ibe desire for continuity of livelihood. ft is the fear of the sack Unit determines the action of the workers.” —Mr W. F. Watson, a. worker. in the “Quarterly.”

Now /.calami has been very fortunate in the post-war years and her people have escaped the worst phases of the aftermath, but it would be impossible to escape all tine effects of the severe economic depression from which the world has not yet recovered. From time to time periods of uiiemploywmit must bo expected, affecting certain classes of the people. It is in these times that those who are in fortunate circumstances can and should assist their follow men. women, and ■children, and rememlrr the great teachings of the Christian religion to “do unto others as you would they do unto you.” In times of unemployment one. in fortunate circumstances has only to try and put oneself ill the position of the, anxious mother or the hungry and cold child to SCO' immediately where one’s duty lies.—-“Wan-ganui Herald.”