THE BASIC WAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 May 1922, Page 5

THE BASIC WAGE.

COURT REFUSES REDUCTION. , A LEGAL DIFFICULTY By Telegraph.—Press A*sn.—Copyright. Sydney, May 18. The Industrial Court declined to grant the application of the master bakers for a reduction in the wages of bread carters in consequence or the recent Board of Trade declaration on the basic wage, and referred the matter to the Full Court for argument on the point submitted by the union’s representative that the board could only make one declaration yearly, and that therefore the last declaration was ultra vires, and could not be enforced. It is estimated that the last two reductions in the basic wage will result in a saving of one million sterling annually in the wages of the pufblic service. • Judge Rolin is submitting test questions to the full Arbitration Court dealing with the basic wage. The questions asked are whether the board is entitled to make an award within 12 months of a previous award; whether the declaration is valid or not; also whether the Court is bound to act on the board’s decision . VICTORIAN SHEARERS’ AWARD. Melbourne, May 19. Mr. Justice Powers, acting on the assumption that the basic wages for shearers are £3 12s per week, fixed the rates for shearing at 35s per 100 in lieu of 30s, which was previously mentioned. Other rates were raisea one-sixth of the award already announced.