RESTORING THE CUTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 136, 10 June 1936, Page 6

RESTORING THE CUTS.

By announcing its intention of restoring wages and salaries as from July 1 the Government has prepared the public for the legislative act, and has thus put an end to speculation as to the date, on which this particular election pledge will be honoured, but the bald statement still leaves many employers and workers guessing as to how they will be afi» cted. Five years have passed since the general order was made in June, 1931, reducing all award rates by 10 per cent, and many changes in staffs and grading have occurred in the meantime. Common fairness demands consideration for

the interests of all sections, but there will be varying opinions as to what constitutes fair treatment. This difficulty has not been overlooked by the Government. On the contrary, the desire to deal with all sections fairly and to frame a measure which will be unambiguous as well as comprehensive has been the Government's aim. Had the problem been easier to solve it would have been dealt with earlier. Even now it is no"t known when the order restoring the cuts will be made. An August date, however, seems probable, and the effect of the legislation will be retrospective. A retrospective order is, of course, open to criticism, and its objectionable features are by no means entirely removed by the Prime Minister's warning that it is coming. Therefore the details of the Government's proposals should be finalised and ready for publication immediately the House resumes on July 21.