LIBERAL LEADER'S VIEWS

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 95, 22 April 1924, Page 8

LIBERAL LEADER'S VIEWS

STATEMENT BY MR. WILFORD. SUPPORTS 44 HOUR WEEK. REGRETS STRIKE METHODS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Mr. T. M. Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, in a statement issued to-day, says that the Liberal executive met and considered the position soon after the deadlock on the 10th instant, and has been negotiating with the different parties to the dispute ever since. He believed up to yesterday that his efforts would not be "fruitless, and regrets the strike, as the aftermath of every industrial upheaval is resentment, ill-will, and bitterness. "As to the attitude of the Liberal party in reference to some of the putstanding matters of the dispute,"' Sir. Wilford said, "I will state it here. We stand in favour of a 44-hPurs week, particularly in the case of« railwaymen, whose hours are often irregular, and whose responsibilities are very great. And, having w-ith my party vnted against a reduction pf salaries of those in the public service receiving £320 a year and under, I unhesitatingly support that vete by backing the restoration, as in our opinion no one receiving a salary of £320 a year and under should have been penalised. This view has been strengthened since the 'cut,' as the Government has been able to make a big reduction in taxation. I do not wish to go into the question of the cost of living further than tp say I believe that when the increased cpst of rent and clothing is calculated to-day, in conjunction with all food groups, it will be found that the difference is nearer 70 than 60 per cent. Our party does not support the strike method. The Prime Minister's manifesto this morning carries no weight at all. I have his speeches since his return from Auckland, and find that when he wishes to advocate a reduction of taxation he tells us everything is well with the country, and when he faces the question of increased wages to those who have a desperate struggle to make ends meet, he predicts disaster." Mr. Wilford concludes by urging further negotiations.