WAGE CUTS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1931, Page 3

WAGE CUTS

(Bn Telegraph—Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 16

A deputation, representing the Trades mnd Labour Lounc.l waiWa on the Prime Minister and the Hon. S..G Smith, asking that legislation should be passed providing that where the ttvj per cent, cut is .imposed on workeis and profit accrues to the employer as -i result, such profit should not be used for distribution as bonuses to share*)old ers, but applied in reimbursement to the workers. A request was also made for the appointment of more women inspectors, and objection was taken to tlu> appointment of a Judge of the Arbitration Court to the Hardship Commission as tlie Court was behindhand with its work.

Mr Smith replied that the question of appointing additional women in spectors would be carefully considered. He approved the suggestion, but the question of finance had to be borne in mind. He assured the deputation that care would be taken that the appointment of the Judge of the Arbtratioii Court to act as chairman of the Hardship Commission would not result in any hardship to the workers so far as the Arbitration Court was concerned. .

. The Prime Minister replied that what was suggested in the general resolution as to the cost of living and the profits of companies could not be included in the policy of the Government.