THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 31,. 1923. UNREASONABLE DEMANDS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4521, 31 January 1923, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 31,. 1923. UNREASONABLE DEMANDS.

« Tbc attitude adopted by the Waihi Chamber of Commerce when discussing the cut in miners’ wages is extremely difficult to understand. The fact that those present at the meeting when the position was discussed desired, above all, to see that the md’i received a sufficient living wage is commendable. On the other hand, however, the decision to ask the Govcirnmen.t to make good any deficiency wihep the paying point of the industry falls below working expenses is ridiculous. Apparently there are some weak people who regard the Government as a sort of charitable institution that should help all and sundry—out rtf' .the • pockets of the people as a whole.. Tf, in fact, the suggestion of the Waihi Chamber of Commerce were followed any company might claim similar assistance when it became obvious that a given period would be non-productive so far as dividends welre concerned. Would those who now request that a subsidy should be paid by the Government urge, when a good year is experienced, that the Government ■should receive a proportion of the profits ? It is hardly likely. This is only one qf many instances' where the Government is asked for assistance without any logical reason being advanced in support of the request. While, therefore, every one m,ay sympathise with Waihi’s position, it appears most unlikely that the subsidy asked for will be given. In fact, while hundreds of miles of roads’ and bridges are urgently required in order to give access tp, and develop, large tracts of valuable country, mucl’ of it already flroduotive, it would be difficult to conceive what sound reason the Government could give to justify adding to the public debt by subsidising the industry as requested. It is quite certain that, while money is being refused, for far more important development works the granting of a subsidy as suggested by the Waihi Chamber of Com!merce would not find favour.