THE SPECTRE OF THE LABOUR UNIONS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10033, 6 July 1910, Page 4

THE SPECTRE OF THE LABOUR UNIONS.

Whenever a proposal is put forward in the direction of promoting some industry for the benefit of the district, men with capital immediately raise the spectre of the Labour Unions. Labour and capital are dependent on each other, and cannot, exist separately. Like the old dispute i between the internal organs and the outer - members of the body, it was soon proved that their interests are identical, and they must work in J unison. Years ago when wages were i half-a-crown a day, labour paid its way and got a full meal. To-day, with wages quadrupled, no greater results are attained, but the spending power of the workers is greater, and it is always better for the country at large when such is the case. Workers now have shorter hours and better means for social enjoyment. The former dread of having to accept charity when past work has been ) abolished by the provision on the Statutes for old age pensions. There is not the |same inducement now to save every penny, and workers have a freedom from carking care which , they were never free from in days \

gone by. It has been asserted that all the advance in recent years in the matter of wages has been more than counter-balanced by the cost of living. This question has been much discussed in Britain and Europe. Statistics have been tatcen in Germany of trade societies with a membership of some, two million workpeople, comparing the rise in wages and the rise in prices of articles between 1895 ard 1908, in so far as workmen are coucerned 9 taking masons, carpenters, bricklayers, and woodworkers. These tables give the increased cost of living at twenty seven per cent, whilst masons' and carpenters' wages have increased in i the same period 39 per cent, brick-, layers 45 per cent, and woodworkers 35 per cent There has also been a reduction in the hours of labour. Workers now have the means, and they have the will to spend money, the old dread of the effects of being unable to work being now removed. The result is that money is freely circulated, trade is increased, and capital can find outlets by which it can be safely and profitably used. It only requires a better understanding between capital and labour to restore confidence and improve the condition of the community at large. The workers have reached a higher plane, and will not be forced back to the depths from which they have emerged.