The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL, 8, 1931. THE FALL IN WAGES.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL, 8, 1931. THE FALL IN WAGES.

It has hwn denmnstvated. very practically in various places that wages are falling and must drop to a lower level in. keeping with the changing conditions ol trade and the values of the staple markatp. Even in Australia where Labour rules politically, the basic wage has been a falling quantity lor some time. Here. the Government made beginning on. the C ivil Service, and the Labour party adopted a dog in the manger attitude to block the proposal. Although in a hopeless majority and against public opinion as expressed through the press, the party in Parliament, went to all possible lengths to block the will of the majority. Their movement was circumvented in the end. but only alter great, and in the circumstances, quite unnecessary cost to the country. With such an army of unemployed registered ill Xew Zealand. there is evidence which cannot he ignored that morey V not available for steady employment. The Government tried to provide for the workless with a range of pay which it was proved has exhausted the funds available. The consequence is that the workless must continue workless for another fortnight, while the scheme is overnauled in the endeavour to provide for all at a reduced rate. It would be interesting to know the type of workmen composing the unemployed. The bulk are probably labourers who hitherto found employment on public and local body works, and about farms, But there is an army of industrialists also nut of work. These are so placed because of lack of orders. In this duo fpict, the hulk of the men. seeking employment, are those from the sawmills closed down for lack of trade. Naturally if a business cannot produce for a market, it must close down, and the employees are the unfortuate victims of the situation. No account of high wages can save the position, hut it may he possible by tlm recasting of wages, to make production (heavier and so heln to create a market for the goods produced. In such circumstances. the obvious value of reasonable reduction of wages is apparent, and a good deal of that is happening now in Xmv Zealand in many industrial ventures. In such instances the inexorable law of supply and demand is the levelling medium, and no amount of “striking” can resist the course nor overcome the effect. AVitli Dominion wages reduced compulsorily by law. tlm unions threaten reprisals by way of strikes probably. AVhatcver ferment is created can be had only for Labour in the end. A strike is not going to create more money. On the contrary it is going to use it up more rapidly and unprofitnbl.v. It is unpleasant to find wages coming down, hut when the needs demand some sacrifice, the demand must he met reasonably. Tt is the custom of New Zealanders to he rather proud of their all round loyalty. and respect for the law of the land comes within that category. The state of the country is governed in the first instance by its productivity and markets. AVbeii those are affected matters cannot continue as they were. There must be some action to meet

the position, and all must he prepared to share in the remedial methods to tide over a difficult period- With honest endeavour in that respect, and a realisation of the private duty to the public laws demanded by the times, there can he no question as to our loyalty. Now is the time to exercise common sense and if individuals act nn to the host traditions of the race. X'uv Zealand will soon make good attain —difficult though the outlook may he at this juncture.