WELLINGTON NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1931, Page 2

WELLINGTON NEWS

NEW YEAR PROSPECTS.

(Special Correspondent)

WELLINGTON, January 4

Two leading politicians in N.Z. and two ecclesiastics outside the Dominion have expressed their views and hopes respecting the New Year, and most of the newspapers of the Dominion have also .expressed their hopes and fears. The Acting Prime Minister, Mr E. A. Ransom, has said very little that is new. As head of the Government, he recounted all the pleasing factors of the past year, which were rather few as compared with the adverse factors. The cream of his statement, and the only point that warrants repetition, is the following: “What will count most in the difficult days ahead will be the spirit in which we face our task. Unselfish co-operation and equality ol sacrifice will make the burden lighter for all, and the foundation of a more permanent prosperity will be the more readily laid if we have a com-mon-sense regard for our mutual obligations and interdependence as fellow citiziens.” These are noble sentiments, and co-operation and sacrifice are essential in this period of economic depression, but mere sentiment and pious expressions will not get us far.

Tile Leader of the Oppisitioit has also expressed in his New Year message to the people very noble sentiments. He said; “The position must surely be that we as a community must live on a little less, It will mean a sacrifice, and the experience will bo new to many, but whatever the sacrifice, let us be very certain that there is equality of sacrifice. For this country to win out the costs to the producer must be readjusted, ail manner of costs and tins applies to all forms of production.” The sentiments of both our leading politicians have been pitched in the right key and can bo fully endorsed, but the expressions of sentiment are futile; we want definite action taken. Bom Mr Ransom and Mr Coates advocate sacrifices, but they must both know that the all-round equality of sacrifice that they urge and plead for is impossible under our present industrial conditions, for it is obvious that ilese sheltered by the awards of the Arbitration Court cannot, even if they wished to make any sacrifices, and it is not their intention to make any sacrifices.

This is proved by the attitude adopted by the flaxworkers who refuse to submit to the wage reduction of 33 1-3 per cent, sanctioned by the Arbitration Court. At the same time it must .be admitted that they are to some extent justified in their action, for it Cannot be regarded by any stretch of imagination that there is of sacrifice when certain of the flaxtVorkerS have to be content with lOe tier (lay under the new nwnrd while the unemployed without distinction or classification nro entitled to 14s per day. It seems useless to appeal to the community to make voluntary sacrifices for the common good while one section of the community sheltered by the Arbitration Court refuses to make any sacrifice whatever. . Sacrifices are essential, and as voluntary sacrifices are unattainable, the State must enforce compulsory sacrifice and see that there is equality of sacrifice. This is by no means a difficult matter. The Government has merely to promulgate by Order-in-Council, as sanctioned by the Board of Trade Act, that preference to union ists are not to he held amenable to Arbitration* Court awards as regards wages and conditions, in other words let non-unionists become free to make any sacrifices they may choose. Award wages and conditions are no longer consistent with right and fairness to the whole body of the people. The union secretaries and other officials have required a vested interest in the Arbitration Court and its awards and it is futile to expect that they will allow the rank and file to make any sacrifice that would endanger their comfortable jobs and high salaries. There is nothing for it but for the Government to insist on compulsory sacrifice. Archbishop Kelly, the R.C. Bishop of Sydney, delivered himself of some excellent and praiseworthy statements at a recent function. “Men are not to be degraded (he said) when they work honestly. In point of fact we would be happier an dbetter off if we worked 6 days a week and full hours; then there would he prosperity in Australia.” Tlie same applies to N.Z. The people as a whole must live on a little less and work harder and longer, but to expect that to come about voluntarily is asking for a miracle to happen. The people must be compelled in their own interests to make sacrifices and to give honest work. Tliet longer this attempt at compulsion is delayed the worse it becomes for, as Mr Ransom has said, our difficulties are by no means behind us. Ate have yet much to face, but with co-operat-ion and sacrifices we can overcome all our difficulties. The State must insist on equality of sacrifice, and when the Government takes action in this direction the majority of the people will respond.