CARPENTERS’ WAGES

Evening Star, Issue 17920, 16 March 1922, Page 10

CARPENTERS’ WAGES

MAXIMUM RATE REDUCED,

[Pua United Phess Association.]

WELLINGTON, March 16.

Tho Executive of tho Wellington Master Builders’ Association decided at a meeting held yesterday to reduce tho maximum hourly rats of wages boing paid to carpenters and joiners from 2s 9d to 2s fid. Tho reduction takes effect as from yesterday. A pressman was informed that the maximum could have been reduced many months ago, but tho. master builders purposely refrained from taking such action. They considered that most skilled tradesmen .should continue to he paid the best possible rate. To-day, however, the position iis different, ft is recognised that for some considerable time past the high cost of materials and inflated wages have deterred many people from calling for tenders for tho erection of houses and other promises. Now that a reduction in tho maximum wages paid to carpenters and joiners has be-eu brought about it is hoped that building enterprise in Wellington will be considerably stimulated. It is stated that for some months past many ■master builders in Wellington have been paying ?,s' Cxi nu hour as the maximum wage. The supply of tradesmen is considered to be more than equal to the demand, and in numerous instances the award rate of 2a 3£d per hour only has been paid.