LOWER WAGES

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 69, 23 March 1931, Page 10

LOWER WAGES

TRADES COUNCIL'S PROTEST

The following statement is supplied by Mr. F. D..Cornwall: —"The national executive of the New Zealand Trades and Labour Councils' Federation has discussed' the proposals submitted to

Parliament by the Prime Minister (the Hon. G. W. Forbes)} relating to the economic situation of the country, and more particularly the Government's intentions with reference to the wages of the workers. The executive considers the proposals of the Government are not in the best interests of the country as a whole, and if given effect to will result in increased unemployment and a worsening of the conditions of the workers and a large section of the business people throughout the country. .It is possible that what will bo taken from the workers will be spent abroad in luxury and not used to assist with the reduction in the price of commodities. This country has had a previous experience in this direction, when the late Mr. Massey considerably reduced the income tax,- allegedly to assist secondary industries, but it was actually expended abroad in American motor-cars arid American petrol. The executive desires to place upon record its great appreciation of the splendid stand being made, by the Labour members of Parliament in the attack upon wages and the intention of the 'Government to reduce the standard of-living of the workers. It hopes the Labour Party in Parliament will be encouraged and cheered to continue its efforts in defence of a fair standard of living, with the knowledge that they have the full confidence of the workers "affiliated to the Trades Councils' Federation."