FACTORY WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 March 1920, Page 2

FACTORY WAGES.

To the Editor. Sir,—Since "A Cockie" Ims been good enough to recognise my letter in conjunction with "Cheddar's," 1 would like to reply to his queries. To l>e;;in with, tlio reason factory hands don't take other Jobs, apparently more remunerative, Is that men who serve their time to became qualified as managers cannot down tools and learn some other trade. Men have no choice of jobs, :Jiey have to take what Uioy are able lo till and are accustomed to. What chance is there of a c.heesomaker booming a plumbar, shoemaker, carpenter, or engineer? In these days of high prices It takes a wise man to be a farmer. In any case, "Cockle," leaving the Job will not make the wages right. What I would like to know Is why the oheesema.ker doesn't get IDs or 20s for a day's work? I recognlso the allowances made to same factory workers, but they are of no more use now than before the war.. A day off par week may be allowed In some factories, but. they ara tho exception. If Ihere Is "a fresh staff every season" It shows Out the wages are not sufficiently attractive to retain men for the year, or make them permanent, and it is not fair to class all factory workers wlfjr the exception that "A Cockle" refers to as being unclean. Hoping some abler pen than "A Cockle's" will take the matter up,—l am; etc., STILTON.