LABOUR LEGISLATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 2

L ABO UR LEGISLATION.

-AUCKLAND, September 1. Some interesting remarks fell from Mt Charles Rhodes, vice-president of- the -A-ueklaiwl Employers' and local director of the Waihi Gold Mining Company, at the annual meeting of the former body to-day, concerning the effect of the increase in wages due to our labour legislation " In' the Dominion," said Mr Rhodes, " higher wages resnlt in an increased cost of living as well as, I think, in a better standard of living. In. many cases I am convinced that wage-earners now save no more than, formerly in spite of greater earning capacity But in a country producing the raw material of export, it is certain that every rise in I wages affects our ability to compete in the | world's markets, where prices are governed by an outside standard, ac with j gold and silver, frozen meat, butter and cheese, etc. In the latter cases the increased cost of production simply hinders our commercial and economic progress, while distance and Customs duty prevent outsiders from underselling us locally. I I don't suppose these facts will appeal to the worker," added Mr Rhodes, " but undoubtedly they affect the community generally."