WORK AND WAGES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1927, Page 4

WORK AND WAGES

effect of bad times. WELLINGTON. Dec. 27

Ihe scarcity of money during the past twelve months has luid a marked effect upon the number of industrial disputes-, according to M.r I’. Hally. Cr nciliatiiui ( ominissj-mrr. w ho j,, t Incourse of an interview desiTili<’.l ihe year under icview as an unusually dull period. •‘During my 23 years’ experiene; as Commissioner engaged in the settle, 'n.cut of industrial troubles between employers and workers," said Air Hally. ‘‘l have neve" experienced such a dull period, so to speak, a.s during the past year. In making this statement I do not wish it to be ns.-timed that either the employers or the workers were satisfied with present; conditions. Far from it : the worker would like more wages, and the employer more work for the wages he is now paying, and so on. The main reason wiiv there lias been a smaller amount of industrial trouble this year, as compared with past periods, is the fact that- trade and business generally have not been good. Money has been scarce ami sources of credit have been rather restricted. Employers of labour have not escaped the effect of these and other troubles, and of course those dependent upon them have felt the results of the general depression. K:> much so that those responsible for the welfare of the workers’ organisations have in very many instances refrained from asking for improvement in conditions of work, realising that under present conditions this could not be met by employers. “Fortunately, in the opinion of many persons capable of expressing nil opinion, the corner lias now been turned,” said Air Hally, “ft is only to he expected fli.it the worker will receive his quota, of the good things in store.

•‘The relationship between the worker and his employer throughout New Zealand is splendid.” continued ATr Hally. “No serious trouble between the parlies has been experienced. A slight difficulty did happen at the big hydro-electric works at Arapnni. and notwithstanding the statement published that the strike would have been settled very easily, but for. mv unwarranted interference, T would filer- to state tho fact that I did not interfere until I was instructed, and within twelve hours after 1 received the instructions. T met reoresentafives of the men and the company. This trouble and the difficulty that existed at the freezing works during a portion of last season were the only disputes of any magnitude during the year.”