COST OF LIVING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 212, 7 March 1914, Page 5

COST OF LIVING.

CONDITIONS OX THE RAND. COMMISSIONS REPORT. By Cable —Press Association —Copyright Capetown, March 5. The Economic Commission's report finds that the cost of living on tlia Rand is 40 per cent, higher than in America and- 80 per cent, higher than in Europe, but, as miners' labor has many disadvantages, their wages are not unreasonable. The competition between natives and Indians in skilled trades is negligible. The report discountances the Government decreeing a standard wage, as voluntary arrangements between employers and workers are morn satisfactory. It is essential that the employers shall recognise the trade unions. The report recommends the protection of 11011Tinionists and states that the white strikers have caused considerable unrest among the natives. Shorter hours are recommended and higher pay for overtime. The report describes the Federation of Trade Unions as the second line of defence against industrial war, and urges employers not to refuse to meet the Federation. The commission is unable to conceive why the federation officials are refused recognition as the men's professional representatives. It considers the demand that the trade unions should forego political activities as outside the question of recognition, but any over-persuasion in recruiting for unions, involving violence or oth:'r illegal action, should be sternly repressed.