THE NEW BONUS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 November 1920, Page 5

THE NEW BONUS.

RESENTED BY EMPLOYERS. WILL APPEAL TO PARLIAMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Referring to the Arbitration Court's announcement in regard to the new cost of living bonus, Mr. Pry or (secretary of the New Zealand Employers' Federation) said the Court's pronouncement came as a staggering blow to the employers of the Dominion, and will mean placing a further burden upon the general community by an additional increase in the cost of living. "Very great, anxiety is being expressed T-.y employers throughout the Dominion." g«id Mr. Pryor, "and indications are not wanting that in many directions ability t.t pass these increases on is very nearly at an end, and that many trades and industries will be seriously affected in consequence." Referring to ihe Court's policy in this iratter, Mr Pryor said the Fedci-uion's interpretation of sections 18 and IP of the War Legislation and Statute Law Amendment Act does not. agree with that placed upon them by the Court, and a legal opinion strengthens the view that the Court has discretionary powers in the matter. The Court, however, in adopting the view that the clauses are mandatory, awarded bonuses strictly in keeping with the Statisr tician's estimated increase in the cost of living. A meeting of the Parliamentary Committee of the Federation was held this afternoon to consider the position, and it was decided to approach the Government for the Tepeal of the clauses in question in order that the Arbitration Court might be free to give its decisions after-having taken all material circumstances into consideration. It was also resolved to urge that while allowing for an increase in the cost of living, and the ability of the employer and the publie to pay, the effects, so far as a further increase in the cost of living was j:concerned, might be dealt witb and proj'vided for. The Federation contends that Parliament should deal with the matter at once.