THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 November 1919, Page 6

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

MR. ASTBURY AT KAPONGA. Mr. Astbury addressed the electors at ICaponga on Friday night, Mr. H. Guy being in the chair. In dealing with the question of wages the candidate mentioned that he had been informed that men working on the new harbor works at New Plymouth were being paid 12s per day for 47 hours work, or at the rate of Is 6d per hour. This worked out at £3 10s Cd per week on a full Week's work. Board is costing them 30s each per week; if the man is married this mean's £3 per week for board. Tramway fare is 2s per week, union subscription fid per week, or a total to a married man of £3 2s fid, leaving the munificent sum of 8s per week to clothe themselves, etc., on. If there are children or sickness intervenes what must the result be? asked the candidate. Many returned soldiers arc on the job doing good work, and Mr. Astbury said he was informed they were using their pensions and gratuities to make ends meet. He maintained this should not he, as casual labor ;n the country was receiving 13s and over per day. House rent was cheaper, and included garden, firewood and sometimes the grazing of a cow or horse, which meant a wage considerably higher than what was being paid at the harbor works. He mentioned it publicly in the hope that the nuthorities interested would remedy it by increasing wages to enable these workers to live free of debt. A great many questions were asked and answered in a straight-forward manner. The usual votes of thanks were passed ?t the end of the meeting.—Star. [Enquiry from the secretary of the Board elicited the fact that the minimum rate paid is Is 6d per hour, which is above the award rate, but that the .greater number are being paid much more than Is Cd per hour, some earning iup to 2s.]