AWARD WAGES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 135, 8 May 1940, Page 9

AWARD WAGES.

GENERAL INCREASE. FARMERS’ OPPOSITION. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, May 7. That a general rise in wage rates in New Zealand was inevitable after the granting of a bonus to Auckland tramwaymen was stated by Mr James Begg at a meeting of the Otago Provincial Council of the Farmers’ Union. “In fact,” Mr Begg said, “it is difficult to argue against everyone else getting what the Auckland tramwaymen have received. The Manufacturers Association has agreed to it, though the Employers’ Association has not. What wo must remember, however, is that all these extra costs must eventually go right back to the export industries, and the farmers will have to pay for them. “Moreover,” Mr Begg said,, “the prospect of getting an increased price for meat from the British Government is very remote. Indeed, I feel sure that, if any of us had the fixing of the price of meat to he paid by the British Government, we would not' give any more for meat than the United Kingdom is now paying.” The iol lowing resolution was adopted:— “That this executive is concerned at the possible outcome of the request to the Government by the Federation of Labour and the Manufacturers’ Association for an order of the Court making a general increase in all wages covered by awards, and suggests that all necessary steps be taken to represent strongly the effect of such a rise on primary production when such matters are discussed.”