WORKERS’ WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 April 1922, Page 5

WORKERS’ WAGES.

A REDUCTION OPPOSED. DISCUSSION BEFORE COURT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, April 28. The employees’ case on the bonus question was continued in the Arbitration Court to-day Mr. Mack, speaking in the capacity of secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, earnestly supported the case against any reduction being made in wages, and declared that railwaymen, who did not all pay such high rents as other workers and who received part of their clothing, were not able io keep pace with the cost of living on their present wages. He handed in family budgets in support of his argument. Mr. L. F. Evans, of Otago, contended that no reduction should take plaec until a commission was set up to define a reasonable standard of living. He reviewed the trade outlook and quoted various reports promising good times. Mr. Armstrong, on behalf of the Canterbury unions, protested against any reduction, saying that the 1914 standard of living had not been sufficient, and that the wages of to-day did not enable them to live up to that standard. If a commission were appointed it should go closely into the question of rents. A reduction of wages was no way to improve the prosperity of the country. . Mr. W. Maddison dealt exclusively with the subject of a fair standard of living, saying that if a proper standard was set up it would result in increased output, greater industrial peace, and increased national wealth.