LIFE ON THE RAND.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 25, 6 March 1914, Page 7

LIFE ON THE RAND.

THE GOST OF LIVING. ADVICE TO EMPLOYEES. ECONOMIC COMMISSION'S BHPORT. By Cable. —Press Association. —Copyright. (Received March 6, 8.55 a.m.) CAPE TOWN, March 5. The Economic Commission '9 report finds that the cost of living on the Band is 40 per centum higher than in America, and 80 per centum higher «ihan in Europe. Wages are 40 per centum higher than in America and 225 per centum higher than in Europe, tut as the miners labour under many disadvantages their wages are not unreasonable. Competition between na- v tives and Indians in the skilled trades is a negligible quantity., The report discountenances the Go-

verriment decreasing the standard ■m£ge }> .as yoluntary agreements beAlreen. employers ajid workers tvoukl * lj#- more satisfactory. It is essential ' that tfie employers recognise trade "unions; and the.'report recommends the protection of non-unionists. It states that strikes have caused considerable unrest amongst the Shorter Jionrs are recommended and higher pay for overtime. ' * v " _ / The Commission described the federation of trade unions as. a second line of defence against industrial war, ajtd urges employers not to refuse, to most the Federation. The Commission is unable to conceive -why the Federation officials are refused recognition as the

menprofessional representatives, and considers th£ demand. that.' trade, unions should- forego political activities to outside, the. question of r ?"e* cognition, but that any: overrpersua■sion or recruiting for unions involving violence or , other illegal action, should ■he sternly repressed. * [Professor .of Manchester, appointed chairman. -of the Commission to enquire into the question •of wages,, working hours, cost of living, and' cost of • production in the IWit water sr and and other .centres, comjtared with other countries, and also .-to enquire into the establishment of a minimum wage, the payment of* overlime and nightwork. Previous recommendations were in favour of the ap-

pointment of a Commissioner to administer industrial legislation, - and also Conciliation Boards,., the taiy registration of trade unions, the regulation of shbp hours, aid a Factories Adt:];v. K^r.r':://.L-- a '.''.