AMERICAN CABLE NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 April 1927, Page 3

AMERICAN CABLE NEWS

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] INDUSTRIAL .MISSION. NEW YORK, April 9. The Australian Industrial Mission arrived at New York from Schenectady where it was tendered a farewell luncheon by the Chamber of Commerce. Mr R. Me Co 11 (General Manager of the American Locomotive Coy), presiding, said that since 1913, notwithstanding the reduction of hours from ten to nine daily, wages had increased in his company by 1-9 per cent., but the average cost ot output per ton had increased bv only .So nor cent. Ibe reason for this result was the spirit of co-operation between employers and workmen. The industry would never succeed without team work. There is no limit to a. workers’ earnings, piece rates being fixed after discussion with the workers. Mr Valentine responding, said the mission watched one man controlling a tool machine making eighteen separate cuts on six engine frames. This demonstrated the difficulties in Australia where one worker, probably receiving 20s was working one machine making one cut. He honed that Australian employers would abandon their old id""and obtain the latest machinery. He personally would not stick to old prejudices. Jf American methods of dealing with employees were better than Australian he would advocate them. Mr McNeill also responded. He said Australia’s policy of obtaining migrants for settlement was n slow process. The Commonwealth must consider, without interfering with Australia, a wider scheme of migration.