PUBLIC OPINION.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 January 1928, Page 3

PUBLIC OPINION.

The manufacturers are prepared to stain every effort to produce goods oi the very best quality at a marketable price if the retailers are prepared to push their sale. It is a regrettable truth, however, that in the past many retailers have shown a strange attitude toward these productions, ' even refusing to handle some branded

‘Made in New Zealand.” 1 heir defence was that the public was apathetic in buying Now Zealand manufactures when not absolutely hostile to or disregardful of them. Latterly, however, much has been done by ileus paper publicity to educate public: opinion regarding the extent and quality of locally-made goods, and all prejudice against these goods should eventually die out, to he replaced by a pro per pride in them and a desire to gran them preference in purchase.-—Auci-land “Sun.”

There is one party which is not considered, either under the Arbitration Act or in the proposed amendment and that is the public. Every award effects the consumer, and every rise in wages increases his costs, yet he has no representation on the Court. Possibly it was a realisation of this tact that led the Government to include the provision that there should he n<> prohibition of piece work in future awards. Payment for work actually done is so logical and just that >• fair-minded person can object to it. provided it is set upon an equitabhbasis, such as the Amendment Bill proposes Moreover, it would not operate in raising the cost of living, while wage increases alwavs do so. From the public point of view this is the most important part oT the Bill, and, if it lie adopted, it can only result in the public benefit....“ North Auckland Times.”