LABOUR POLICY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 72, 7 January 1936, Page 2

LABOUR POLICY.

WAGES AND HOURS OF WORK.

(Per Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 6. A definite promise that the Government would take steps to introduce a week was given by the Hon. H. T. Armstrong to a deputation representing unemployed men and women who waited on him to-day. lne Minister said he was sure the Government intended to introduce a 40-hour week as the Labour Party had promised during the election campaign. He had also, he said, held the belief that there should be a statutory minimum wage, and he believed that the Labour Party stood for that also, although the Government had not discussed it since the election. The Minister referred to the statement of the Minister of Public works (Hon. R. Semple), that men employed, on public works should be given standard rates of pay. This did not mean, said Mr Armstrong, that the existing rates would be continued. He was opposed to the present rate of 12s a day because it did not allow of a reasonable standard of living. He would be a very disappointed man if it were not possible for the Government to do something better than that. Mr Armstrong assured the deputation that everything possible would be done to improve conditions in camps, but it had to be remembered that where jobs were short, housing costing as much as the job itself could not be supplied. To the request of the deputation for direct representation on the Unemployment Board, the Minister replied that he would consider the suggestion and have it discuased by the Board.