U.S. RECOVERY PLAN

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1933, Page 5

U.S. RECOVERY PLAN

RETAIL STORES CODE SIGNED MILLION SHOPS AFFECTED (United Press Association —Eleotric Telegraph—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, October 23. Mr Roosevelt, to-day, signed the Retail Stores Code, to become effective on October 30. In approving the Retail Stores Coda Mr Roosevelt lias swung the N.R.A. into a new course by exempting both from the and the voluntary leomployment agreement, those establishments employing Joss than five persons in towns of 2,500 population or less. High lights of the Retail Stores Code, which incorporates antichild labour features, are differentials j in wages between the northern and southern sections of the country; a rule governing fair trade practices with reference to advertising; and also articles which may he sold ■_ retail below the standard or advertised price, provided the shopkeeper makes a profit therefrom. It it estimated that the Code effects approximately

I one million shops. t The President at the same time, has isued a significant statement, taking cognisance of recurring disputes over the ‘'-merit clause’’ in the industrial codes. Tlie stated in a letter to Mr Johnson, explaining ti Code, that “it was his understanding | i that there was nothing in the Labour i , clauses of the industrial control law { to interfere with the bona fide exercise of the right of the employer to select, retain or advance employees on the basis of individual merit.” This is in direct variance with the established thes'.s, and the Labour leaders are expected to produce proi nouced opposition. ;