REDUCTION IN WAGES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2426, 9 May 1922, Page 3

REDUCTION IN WAGES.

COUNCIL ADOPTS ARBITRATION DECISION.

At last night’s Council meeting the report of the Finance Committee was read recommending that the Council fall in line with the decision of the Arbitration Court in respect to reduction in workmen’s wages, exeeping the borough foreman. The Mayor in moving the adoption of the report said the prosperity of this country was seriously impaired by the high rate of wages. The wages in Australia had had a considerable drop and must come down in -New Zealand. A deduction in wages would coincide with a reduction in the cost of living which was and is coming down. Cr. Martin strenuously opposed the motion and objected that the cost of living had not been reduced locally. He challenged the Mayor’s remarks re Australian wages. Cr. Ross said that the councillors -represented the ratepayers and had fd‘ do their duty by them. Their duty was to pay the ruling rates. At present thqy were paying higher (hari the ruling rates. They were 'duty bound to get the work done as economically as possible. Cr. Whibley said that- be would move an amendment to the motion. If there was to be a reduction the Council should be consistent and reduce all Council employee wages, starting from he top. As far as the cost of living was concerned, he considered there had been no great decrease in it. He moved that the report of the Finance Committee be adopted with the exception of that portion dealing with wages. The Mayor said that Cr. Ross was right. The councillors were in a ve'ry responsible position. They were dealing with the people’s money. He considered it a fair thing to abide by the decision of the Arbitration Court. The motion was earned, , Crs. Whibley, Rand, and Martin voting against.