LAST NIGHT’S MEETING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4528, 8 November 1930, Page 2

LAST NIGHT’S MEETING.

TiAiST night’s meeting between -1 ho local .(laxworkers and millers indicated a genuine desire on the part of both parties to set the wheels ol the industry moving and relieve Ihe present serious unemployment situation in Fox!on, and thus provide sustenance and relict to many families. It was indicated by the millcrs that unless the award rale of wages was reduced .by one third i( would be impossible to commence operations.- This reduction would not, on present mailkel. prices, return a profit to the millers, hut would enable Ihe hemp to remain on the market, with the hope of an increasing demand and better prospects in the future. This point is 'worthy of! consideration. Ibe Leader of the Labour Party stated in the House some time- since, that any industry which could not pay o. living wage should go out of existence. But there are exceptions, and the hemp industry is one which would justify State aid to keep it alive. 'That such reasonable financial assistance will be forthcoming there is.no reason to doubt. At present the industry is governed by an award, and until the award is suspended or a tresis award made, no progress can he made. A reduction in the cost of production is vital to all concerned: The men agreed last night to a reduction in wages, but this is subject to confirmation by the Union and endorsement 'by tin* iG'ourt. It then remains for the Unemployment Board to indicate the measure of financial .support it is prepared to igive—anc] the gap between B*/and 1.4/- leaves a very grave doubt of fulfilment, because such an amount over a. period of, say, six months would be out of proportion to other demands on its tund. The final offer of the millers to start olf with a third reduction and a monthly review of the situation, hacked by what assistance can be obtained from the Unemployment Board, is the best solution of the problem. While this course will mean the suspension of the award in the meantime it will bring about a closer bond of mutual interest and confidence and assist to save an industry which should he one of our. principal exports.