SHORTER WORKING TIME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 115, 18 May 1933, Page 6

SHORTER WORKING TIME.

If the application of scientific methods, the use of labour-saving machinery and appliances and the rationalisation of industries nialce 1 possible to supply the world's needs with very much reduced labour power, the question naturally arises as to what is to become o the world's surplus labour. In industry tM are two vital functions, the first being P ro duction and the second being consumption and within narrow limits these must balance. In the past there has generally s "° r , age of supply of goods, with the result t»® there lias been a demand for labour, and ■t" has kept the consumptive side at its hi®®® 8 level. In recent years the position has reversed, and tli e productive capacity bas 6*' eeeded the consumptive capacity. This wa followed by the demand for labour being l®s than the supply, followed by unemploymen > which in turn created a further lessened consumptive capacity owing to loss of purchasing power, and so the slump developed at a rapi rate. We now have the paradox of willing and able workers being in want midst plentyTo any thinking person the remedy is ® limit the working hours to such a level tha there is a balance within close limits between the supply and demand for labour, so that neither capital nor labour can unduly ex P _.l, each other. One of, the blessings that w ' come out of this depression is shorter * or j\' ing hours, with more time to enjoy life it® 6 . ' 'I he hours of labour have been shortened l the past with beneficial results, so it is® experiment. LOGIC.