General Wage Increase Wanted By Housewives

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28699, 24 September 1958, Page 20

General Wage Increase Wanted By Housewives

(New Zealand Press Association)

GREYMOUTH, Sept. 23. The Federation of New Zealand Housewives, meeting at Greymouth today,- passed a remit calling on the Federation of Labour to make an immediate application for an increase in wages for a 40-hour week. This followed a lengthy discussion on the subject yesterday and this morning. The remit said: “In view of the destruction of family life caused by fathers being forced.

by economic necessity, to work long hours or work at two jobs, and mothers being forced to take employment outside the home in order to maintain the family’s standard of living, this conference urges the Federation of Labour immediately to apply for a sufficient wage for a 40-hour week.”

It was emphasised that the remit should be associated with an earlier remit asking for the reintroduction of price control on essential commodities.

Other remits passed were: That the provision of the maternity hospital service for 14 days for all mothers be strictly observed by those responsible for their care. That a committee of inquiry be appointed to investigate ail aspects of mental homes and institutions to ensure that a higher standard of care is afforded all inmates. That Social Security payment made to doctors and specialists be the whole fee, and no extra be charged to the patient. That where public hospitals are unable to supply urgent Xray and other services, the Social Security fund meet the cost of alternative? arrangements. That the 12-month maternity training scheme be introduced.

A report was called for on general nursing training, including maternity training. A delegate was asked to report on this matter to branches, and the subject will be discussed at the next conference.