CALL FOR MORE PRODUCTION

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26244, 16 October 1950, Page 7

CALL FOR MORE PRODUCTION

MR MENZIES REFERS TO RISE IN WAGES

(Rec. 9 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Oct. 15. The Federal, Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) yesterday suggested an early conference of employers and the Australian Council of Trades Unions to discuss a campaign for greater output.

He said the need for Increased production was more urgent to-day than a week ago. “Unless the spectacular rise in the basic wage is met by an increased productive effort all round, it may do little more than push up prices and costs,” Mr Menzies added. “This would defeat the true interests of our people.” Mr P. J. Clarey, M.P., a former president of the Australian Council of Trades Unions, said a greater output of coal and steel was essential to secure an effectiva increase in the purchasing power of wages. As a sequel to the basic wage decision, the New South Wales Rea] Estate Institute has asked the State Government for an all-round increase in rents. The president of the institute (Mr T. Turner) said that rentals had increased by 1 per cent, since they were pegged at the level of August 31, 1939. In comparison, the index of living costs since 1939 showed rises of 174 per cent, for clothing and 36 per cent, for groceries. Landlords would have to bear further increases in maintenance and repairs as a result of the basic wage decision. Mr Turner added.